Hitching a ride on the same B-52 mother ship that once launched X-15 research aircraft in the 1960s, NASA's X-43A scramjet and its Pegasus booster rocket performed a captive carry evaluation flight from Edwards Air Force Base, CA, January 26, 2004.
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Hitching a ride on the same B-52 mother ship that once launched X-15 research aircraft in the 1960s, NASA’s X-43A scramjet and its Pegasus booster rocket performed a captive carry evaluation flight from Edwards Air Force Base, CA, January 26, 2004. The X-43 and its booster remained mated to the B-52 throughout this mission, intended to check its readiness for launch. The hydrogen-fueled aircraft was autonomous and had a wingspan of approximately 5 feet, measured 12 feet long and weighed about 2,800 lb.January 26, 2004NASA Photo / Tom Tschida› X-43A Project Description