NASA astronaut and US Air Force Major General Joe Engle passes away at 91

NASA astronaut and US Air Force Major General Joe Engle

Joe Engle, a retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force Major General, passed away on July 10 at his Houston home, surrounded by family. At 91, Engle leaves behind a legacy as the only astronaut to have piloted both the X-15 and space shuttle.

Engle's career in spaceflight began at 32 when he flew the X-15 for the U.S. Air Force, making him the youngest astronaut at the time. He joined NASA's astronaut program in 1966, already an experienced spaceflight pilot, and was the last surviving X-15 pilot.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson remarked, "A natural pilot, Gen. Joe Engle helped humanity’s dreams take flight – in the X-15 program, the Apollo Program, and as one of the first commanders in the Space Shuttle Program. He was one of the first astronauts I met at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. I’ll never forget his big smile, his warmth, and his courage. We all will miss him.”

Born in Dickinson County, Kansas, Engle graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, in 1955. He earned his pilot wings in 1958 through the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Course.

Engle's contributions to NASA included supporting the Apollo Program and serving as the backup lunar module pilot for Apollo 14. In 1977, he commanded the space shuttle Enterprise during approach and landing tests. Notably, in November 1981, he commanded the second flight of the space shuttle Columbia, becoming the only pilot to manually fly an aerospace vehicle from Mach 25 to landing. He logged his final space hours commanding the space shuttle Discovery in August 1985, a mission known for its complexity involving satellite deployment and repair.

Vanessa Wyche, NASA Johnson's center director, stated, "As we mourn the immense loss of Joe, we’re thankful for his notable contributions to the advancement of human spaceflight. Joe’s accomplishments and legacy of perseverance will continue to inspire and impact generations of explorers for years to come.”

Engle's extensive flying career included over 180 aircraft types and more than 14,000 flight hours. His accolades comprise numerous prestigious military and NASA awards, including the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, U.S. Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Space Flight Medal, among others. In 1992, he was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor.

Reflecting on his life, his wife Jeanie Engle shared, "Joe Henry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Blessed 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 Force pilot, astronaut, and Kansas Jayhawk. His 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.”

Engle's remarkable career and personal warmth leave an indelible mark on the field of aerospace and in the hearts of those who knew him.