Edwards Air Force Base, X-15 Engine Test Complex, Rogers Dry Lake, east of runway between North Base & South Base, Boron, Kern County, CA

Significance: AS the only facility for testing X-15 engines, individually and with the aircraft, the X-15 facility is strongly associated with the United States Man-in-Space program, and particularly with the development of North American Aviation's X-15 rocket aircraft. In 1962, the X-15 became the first aircraft to fly beyond the earth's atmosphere, creating the link between atmospheric flight and space flight. Beginning in 1958, tests performed at the X-15 engine test complex resulted in the data needed to modify and refine the X-15's powerful rocket engine. The X-15 complex has been recommended eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A.
Survey number: HAER CA-235
Building/structure dates: 1958 Initial Construction