Engineer, pilot, and astronaut who flew on the X-15, a rocket-powered aircraft, and later became a NASA astronaut, contributing to the development of spaceflight. Known for his pioneering work in the field of space exploration.
William H. Dana, an American aeronautical engineer, U.S. Air Force pilot, NASA test pilot, and astronaut, is best known for flying the North American X-15, an experimental spaceplane, to an altitude above 50 miles, thereby qualifying as an astronaut according to the United States definition of the boundary of space.
Dana was born on November 3, 1930, in Pasadena, California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy in 1952 and served four years as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He then joined NASA on October 1, 1958, after receiving a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California.
Dana's peak altitude of 307,000 feet in the X-15 technically qualified him for the Astronaut Badge, although he was not formally recognized as an astronaut at the time.
Dana's contributions to the development of the X-15 and lifting-body space vehicles paved the way for future generations of spacecraft and astronauts, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields.
96 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
96 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
96 Years Old
Led the third manned mission to land on the Moon, Apollo 12, and became the third person to walk on its surface. Known for his bold and fearless approach to space exploration.
99 Years Old
One of the original seven astronauts in Project Mercury, he was the first American to spend over a day in space and the last to fly solo in orbit, paving the way for future space exploration.
Born in 1923
One of the original seven astronauts in Project Mercury, this pioneer flew on three historic spaceflights, including the first American manned orbital flight and the Apollo 7 mission.
Born in 1923
First American in space, commanded Apollo 14 mission, and walked on the Moon.
98 Years Old
American baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1975, known for being a four-time All-Star and winning the American League ERA title in 1968.
Born in 1925
One of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, he orbited the Earth in 1962, paving the way for future space exploration. He was also a decorated naval aviator and aquanaut.
