At the Edge of Space: The X-15 Flight Program

by Milton O. Thompson, Neil Armstrong (Foreword)

In At the Edge of Space, Milton O. Thompson tells the dramatic story of one of the most successful research aircraft ever flown. The first full-length account of the X-15 program, the book profiles the twelve test pilots (Neil Armstrong, Joe Engle, Scott Crossfield, and the author among them) chosen for the program. Thompson has translated a highly technical subject into readable accounts of each pilot's participation, including many heroic and humorous anecdotes and highlighting the pilots' careers after the program ended in 1968.

Genres: History, Space, Aviation, Nonfiction, American History, Technology

569 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book about the true frontier days of experimental aviation. This is obviously a huge niche book, but if you slot into that niche, you'll probably like this story.
What makes it unique is that it's an aviation book that blurs the lines between conventional flight and space flight. The X-15 and it's pilots were true pioneers, because they were probing the limits of earth, and the beginnings of space regularly, and without the fanfare awarded to the regular, full time astronauts. I enjoyed it, and wish it was something an average Joe pilot like me could experience. Mach Six up to sub orbital altitudes and zero g? Hell yes. If that excites you, read this book.

[Christopher Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, we learn that the safest place for a test pilot is 300,000 feet up in the sky -- as far away from all the other test pilots as possible given the technology available at the time.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting first-hand account of the X-15 program from one of the gutsy 12 pilots/astronauts who flew this remarkable research aircraft. Nice blend of the technical details with "right stuff" anecdotes that you'd expect from these swashbuckling test pilots. You will certainly gain an appreciation of these pilots and all those involved with this cutting edge program. A must-read for the X-15 fan or those interested in the pioneer space flights.

[Ray Savarda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read from one of the X-15 pilots. Lots of details and some humor, and a pretty complete description from start to finish.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read about the early facets of the space program. You get a cockpit-eyed view of how the times were and what it was like to be part of the elite group that risked life and limb to further our understanding of flight and how to get beyond our atmosphere. It describes the physics and real dangers of multi-mach speeds and the real possiblity of skipping into space forever. A great read!

[Andreas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The X-15 program ran from 1959 to 1968, with three aircraft exploring high altitude and high-speed flight. The research program contributed a wide range of scientific advances that were instrumental in the development of the Space Shuttle and fly by wire control technology, among other things. The work of flying the X-15 was dangerous and exacting, leading to the death of one pilot and involving numerous emergencies. It remains to this date by far the fastest and highest-flying winged aircraft in history.

Mr. Thompson’s account is matter-of-fact, with few embellishments. (The author does note that he is not a writer.) While it retains a certain flatness of style throughout, the book is nonetheless fascinating for the aviation buff. These men, including a young Neil Armstrong, were exploring the unknown fringes of the flight envelope in an unforgiving aircraft, frequently referred to in the book as “The Bull”. While sometimes the text veers into catalogues of flights with their respective purposes, it is peppered with interesting and funny anecdotes, as well as edge-of-your-seat accounts of in-flight emergencies.

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[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have long been fascinated by the X-15 program and found this book informative. I also found out that Milton Thompson honestly believes that things were better in the past, that the past was better, and that things need to be repeated several times...

Seriously, though, it's a solid look at a very interesting program.