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Bell X-1A
Reaching the edge of the atmosphere.
Mission Overview
While technically an aircraft, the X-1A was rocket-powered and used to test the stability of controls in the extremely thin air at the edge of space (90,000 feet).
Learning from History
"These flights provided the data needed to design the reaction control systems (thrusters) used on future spacecraft."
Mission Specs
| Year | 1954 |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Type | Experimental Aircraft |
| Destination | High Atmosphere |
| Status | Success |
| Rocket | XLR11 Rocket Engine |