Joseph Albert Walker
American test pilot (1921-1966) · United States · On the map · Scientists · Died at 45
Joseph Albert Walker was an American World War II pilot, experimental physicist, NASA test pilot, and astronaut who was the first person to fly an airplane to space. He was one of twelve pilots who flew the North American X-15, an experimental spaceplane jointly operated by the Air Force and NASA.
Joseph Albert Walker is read about 150 times a day, in 21 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 6 November 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 104 days, one point a day.
Something wrong?A life in dates
1995International Space Hall of FameAward1966Died8 June 19661964Golden Plate AwardAward1962NASA Distinguished Service MedalAward1921Born20 February 1921
Media & music
Photos 7
![Walker in his pressure suitwith the X-1E[N 1]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Joe_Walker_X-1E.jpg/1280px-Joe_Walker_X-1E.jpg)
Awards
About this person
Country
United States
Category
Scientists
Type
Scientist
Status
Deceased
Dates
Lived 1921 to 1966 · aged 45
