For test pilots such as Mr. Engle, the X-15 was beloved because it was still fundamentally a plane, which they controlled from airborne launch to its landing on dry lakebeds in California.

Among the pilots who flew the X-15 was Neil Armstrong, who had gained experience flying the X-1B supersonic rocket plane. He was the first X-15 pilot and flew the aircraft a total of seven times.

Joe Engle, who had the distinction of being the only astronaut to pilot an X-15 aircraft and a space shuttle, died in Houston on Wednesday, July 10. He was 91.

For test pilots such as Mr. Engle, the X-15 was beloved because it was still fundamentally a plane, which they controlled from airborne launch to its landing on dry lakebeds in California.

A stronaut, X-15 test pilot and space shuttle pilot Joe Engle has died at home in Houston, Texas. He was 91. Engle passed peacefully surrounded by his family according to a NASA press release.

Astronaut, X-15 test pilot and space shuttle pilot Joe Engle has died at home in Houston, Texas. He was 91. Engle passed peacefully surrounded by his family according to a NASA press release.