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NASA Mourns the Loss of a Legendary Astronaut and Pilot, Maj. Gen. Joe Engle

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Joe Engle
Portrait of retired NASA astronaut Joe Engle wearing flight suit in front of an X-15 fighter circa 1963.

NASA has announced with deep sorrow the passing of retired astronaut and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Joe Engle, who died at the age of 91. Surrounded by his loving family at his home in Houston, Engle’s death marks the end of an era in American space exploration history. Engle was celebrated not only for his service as an Air Force pilot but also for his unique achievement as the only astronaut to have piloted both the hypersonic X-15 and the space shuttle.

Joe Engle

Born in Dickinson County, Kansas, in 1932, Joe Engle’s journey into the skies started at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, where he obtained his degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1955. His flying career took off rapidly, earning his pilot wings from the Air Force in 1958. Engle’s skills propelled him to the forefront of aeronautical innovation when, at the age of 32, he became the youngest pilot ever to qualify as an astronaut while flying the X-15 for the U.S. Air Air Force.

NASA’s Administrator, Bill Nelson, remembered Engle as a natural pilot whose passion and skill helped humanity’s dreams take flight. From the X-15 program, which reached the edge of space, to the pioneering days of the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, Engle’s influence was profound. Not only was he the last surviving pilot of the formidable X-15 program, but he also commanded several key missions in the era of the space shuttles, including the maiden voyage of the shuttle Columbia’s second flight in 1981 and a critical mission aboard the Discovery in 1985.

Across these spaceflights, Engle demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery, particularly noted for being the first and only pilot to manually fly an aerospace vehicle from Mach 25 to landing, showcasing not just technical prowess but unparalleled courage.

Engle’s illustrious career spanned over various facets of aviation and space exploration. He logged more than 14,000 flight hours across 180 different aircraft types, earning numerous honors, including the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal among others.

His achievements transcended his military and spaceflight accolades. In 1992, Engle was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor, a testament to a lifetime of dedication and excellence in aviation and space. Beyond these public accolades, Engle was a family man, remembered lovingly by his wife, Jeanie, as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was happiest when in the cockpit.

The NASA community, along with the nation, mourns the loss of a true American hero. Engle’s legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of astronauts, pilots, and engineers who look to the stars. His remarkable life reminds us of the profound impact one individual can have on the advancement of human spaceflight.

With Engle’s passing, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of human endeavors and the enduring spirit of exploration that propels humanity forward. Let us honor Joe Engle by continuing to reach for the stars with courage, determination, and a smile, just as he would have wanted.

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Learn more about Engle’s life as an astronaut and pilot:

https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/the-x-15-the-pilot-and-the-space-shuttle/

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