On this day in space! Aug. 22, 1963: X-15 sets world altitude record
On August 22, 1963, U.S. Air Force Captain Joe Walker piloted the X-15 rocket plane to an altitude of 67 miles, setting a world record and becoming the first person to fly to space twice. The X-15 program provided critical data on hypersonic flight and reentry that informed later NASA missions.
Why it matters
The X-15 program was a foundational step in human spaceflight, bridging the gap between atmospheric flight and space exploration.
Human Spaceflight On this day in space! Aug. 22, 1963: X-15 sets world altitude record News By Hanneke Weitering Contributions by Josh Dinner Published 22 August 2026 On Aug. 22, 1963, U.S. Air Force Captain Joe Walker flew an X-15 rocket plane higher than any pilot had ever flown before.
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Click for next article Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter On Aug. 22, 1963, U.S. Air Force Captain Joe Walker flew an X-15 rocket plane higher than any pilot had ever flown before.
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