National Aeronautics and Space Administration
North American X-15
Spaceplane
RetiredHuman Rated
Overview
/01The North American X-15 was a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The X-15 reached altitudes of over 80km and speeds of over 6000 km/h. The X-15 had a wingspan of 6.8 meters, and length of 15.4
Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Type
Spaceplane
Maiden Flight
June 8, 1959
Crew Capacity
1
Flight Life
~10 minute flights
Specifications
/02Experimental aircraft used for Aircraft and Spacecraft design
15.45
Height (m)
6.8
Diameter (m)
—
Payload Capacity (kg)
—
Return Capacity (kg)
Mission Record
/0313
Total Launches
12
Successful
1
Failed
2
Spacecraft Flown
Landing Record
12
Attempted Landings
12
Successful Landings
0
Failed Landings