On June 23, 1949, the XS-1 space plane flew for the 117th time.
The XS-1, later called the Bell X-1, was a piloted, rocket engine-powered spaceplane that could fly faster than the speed of sound. During this flight, pilot Robert Champine tested the aircraft's stability, control and handling at transonic speeds. He even managed to pull a few stunts, like pull-ups and rolls. There were 157 flights in total for the XS-1. These provided data for future US fighter designs as well as spacecraft designs.
The XS-1, later called the Bell X-1, was a piloted, rocket engine-powered spaceplane that could fly faster than the speed of sound. During this flight, pilot Robert Champine tested the aircraft's stability, control and handling at transonic speeds. He even managed to pull a few stunts, like pull-ups and rolls. There were 157 flights in total for the XS-1. These provided data for future US fighter designs as well as spacecraft designs.
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TechTranscript
00:00On this day in space.
00:03In 1949, the XS-1 spaceplane flew for the 117th time.
00:08The XS-1, later called the Bell X-1, was a piloted, rocket-powered spaceplane that could fly faster than the speed of sound.
00:15During this flight, pilot Robert Champin tested the aircraft's stability, control, and handling at transonic speeds.
00:22He even managed to pull a few stunts, like pull-ups and rolls.
00:25There were 157 flights in total for the XS-1, and these provided data for future U.S. fighter jet and spacecraft designs.
00:33And that's what happened on this day in space.
00:36♪♪♪