Joe Engle

Joe Engle, born on August 26, 1932, is a distinguished American pilot, aeronautical engineer, and NASA astronaut. His remarkable career spans various roles, including air force officer, test pilot, and military flight engineer. Engle's contributions to aviation and space exploration are noteworthy, particularly his command of two Space Shuttle missions, including the pivotal STS-2 in 1981, which marked the program's second orbital flight.

Engle's journey into the realm of space began with his participation in the Shuttle program's 1977 Approach and Landing Tests, where he showcased his exceptional piloting skills. He was also one of the twelve elite pilots to fly the North American X-15, an experimental spaceplane operated jointly by the Air Force and NASA. His experience as an X-15 pilot included three flights that soared above fifty miles, earning him astronaut wings under the American definition of the boundary of space.

In 1966, Engle was selected for NASA's fifth Astronaut Group, joining the prestigious Apollo program. His expertise led him to serve as the backup Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 14, and he was initially slated to walk on the Moon as the Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 17. However, the cancellation of subsequent flights resulted in a shift in NASA's plans, leading to the selection of geologist-astronaut Harrison Schmitt for the role, which ultimately displaced Engle.