In this historical photo from the U.S. space agency, the X-24A lifting-body research aircraft begins its rocket-powered flight after being launched from the wing of NASA’s B-52 mothership during a 1970 research flight.
NASA B-52, Tail Number 008, is an air launch carrier aircraft, “mothership,” as well as a research aircraft platform that has been used on a variety of research projects. The aircraft, a “B” model built in 1952 and first flown on June 11, 1955, is the oldest B-52 in flying status and has been used on some of the most significant research projects in aerospace history.
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