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<\/a><\/figure>Retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Joe Engle died July 10, surrounded by his family at home in Houston. Among his many honors, he is the only astronaut to pilot both the X-15 and space shuttle. He was 91.<\/p>\n
Engle became an astronaut at age 32 while flying the X-15 for the U.S. Air Force, becoming the youngest pilot ever to qualify as an astronaut. When selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 1966, he was the only person selected that was already engaged in spaceflight operations. He was the last surviving X-15 pilot.<\/p>\n
\u201cA natural pilot, Gen. Joe Engle helped humanity\u2019s dreams take flight \u2013 in the X-15 program, the Apollo Program, and as one of the first commanders in the Space Shuttle Program,\u201d said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. \u201cHe was one of the first astronauts I met at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston. I\u2019ll never forget his big smile, his warmth, and his courage. We all will miss him.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Engle was born in Dickinson County, Kansas, and attended the University of Kansas, Lawrence, where he graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1955. He received his commission through the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Course, earning his pilot wings in 1958.<\/p>\n
As a NASA astronaut, he supported the Apollo Program, and was backup lunar module pilot for Apollo 14. In 1977, he served as commander of the space shuttle Enterprise, which used a modified Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft to release Enterprise for approach and landing tests. In November 1981, he commanded the second flight of the space shuttle Columbia. He was the first and only pilot to manually fly an aerospace vehicle from Mach 25 to landing. He accumulated the last of his 224 hours in space when he commanded the space shuttle Discovery in August 1985, one of the most challenging shuttle missions ever. On that mission the crew deployed three commercial satellites and retrieved, repaired, and redeployed another malfunctioning satellite that had been launched on a previous shuttle mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we mourn the immense loss of Joe, we\u2019re thankful for his notable contributions to the advancement of human spaceflight,\u201d said Vanessa Wyche, center director, NASA Johnson. \u201cJoe\u2019s accomplishments and legacy of perseverance will continue to inspire and impact generations of explorers for years to come.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Engle flew more than 180 different aircraft types and logged more than 14,000 flight hours. His military decorations include the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, U.S. Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster. He has received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and Space Flight Medal, as well as the Harmon International Aviation Trophy, the Collier Trophy, the Goddard Space Trophy, the Gen.<\/p>\n
Thomas D. White Space Trophy, and the Kinchelow Experimental Test Pilot\u2019s Trophy. In 1992, he was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe Henry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.\u00a0Blessed with natural piloting skills, General Joe, as he was known to many, was at his happiest in any cockpit. Always with a smile, he lived a fulfilled life as a proud American, U.S. Air\u00a0Force pilot, astronaut, and Kansas Jayhawk,\u201d said his wife, Jeanie Engle. \u201cHis passing leaves a tremendous loss in our hearts. We take comfort that he has joined Tom Stafford and George Abbey, two of the best friends anyone could ask for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Learn more about Engle\u2019s life as an astronaut and pilot:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/the-x-15-the-pilot-and-the-space-shuttle\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n -end-<\/p>\n Faith McKie \/ Cheryl Warner Chelsey Ballarte \/ Courtney Beasley Powered by WPeMatico<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n Get The Details…<\/a> Retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Joe Engle died July 10, surrounded by his family at home in Houston. Among his many honors, he is the only astronaut to pilot both the X-15 and space shuttle. He was 91. Engle became an astronaut at age 32 while flying the X-15 for the [\u2026] Continue reading
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
faith.d.mckie@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ cheryl.m.warner@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111
chelsey.n.ballarte@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ courtney.m.beasley@nasa.gov<\/a> \u00a0<\/p>\n
\nAbbey A. Donaldson <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"