This week in Edwards history Published June 25, 2018 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On June 29, 1965, Capt. Joe Engle reached 280,600 feet (53 miles) in X-15 No. 3, becoming the third Air Force winged astronaut and the youngest pilot to receive astronaut wings. In this Edwards History Office file photo above, Engle is with his wife, Mary, daughter Laurie and son, Jon.