Facts for Kids

Joe Engle is a famous American astronaut and test pilot 🚀 who is known for flying in space twice! He was born on October 26, 1932, in the small town of Barlow, Ohio. With a big dream of flying, Joe became a pilot in the United States Air Force. He worked very hard to pilot some of the fastest planes in the world! Later, Joe got a special chance to join NASA, where he went on many exciting missions above the Earth. He is celebrated not just for going to space but also for helping us learn more about flying! 🌌

Outside of being an astronaut, Joe Engle is a family man. ❤

️ He married his wife, Mary, in 1955, and they have three wonderful children. Joe enjoys spending time with his family and sharing his adventures in space with them. He is also a big fan of educating others about science and space! He often talks to kids and schools about his experiences, encouraging them to dream big and learn more about the universe. Even after retiring, he loves adventure and tries to inspire young explorers! 🌈

Joe Engle flew in space on two main missions! His first mission was on the Space Shuttle Columbia in April 1981 during the STS-2 mission. On this flight, he helped test how well the shuttle worked while orbiting the Earth 🚀. His second mission was even more exciting! In 1985, he went back to space on the STS-51-I mission, where they delivered satellites into orbit. Joe spent a total of 11 days in space and experienced weightlessness! 🌌

Each of his flights helped scientists learn more about flying and living in space.

Before he became an astronaut, Joe Engle had an exciting career in the military! 💪

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1956 and flew many different types of military jets. Joe was so good at flying that he became a test pilot, which means he tried out new airplanes to see how they worked. He tested the X-15 rocket plane, which flew to the edge of space! This experience helped him understand how to control spacecraft during missions. Joe’s skills and bravery made him an important part of the U.S. military team, preparing him for his future in space! 🌈

Joe Engle’s legacy continues to inspire many! 🌟

He showed us that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn, anyone can achieve their dreams. Kids everywhere can look up to his story and want to become pilots, astronauts, or engineers. His journeys to space helped create a foundation for future space missions, which have led to amazing discoveries about our universe. Joe’s work laid the groundwork for the exciting adventures of today’s astronauts who are exploring Mars and beyond! 🚀

Joe Engle is now retired but stays active in the community! 🌟

He spends time giving talks to schools and organizations about his experiences in space and the importance of education. He enjoys meeting new people and sharing his passion for flying. Joe also helps promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs to encourage kids to learn these subjects. With his enthusiasm and inspiring stories, Joe continues to motivate the next generation of future scientists, engineers, and astronauts! 🚀

In 1966, Joe Engle became a part of NASA’s astronaut program! 🚀

NASA is the organization that sends astronauts into space. Joe went through special training to prepare for his missions. This training included learning how to work equipment in space, how to survive in zero gravity, and how to deal with emergencies! He spent time in simulators to practice flying the spacecraft. His journey through NASA helped him be ready for two important missions in space—he was super excited about going to the stars! 🌟

Joe Engle has received many awards because of his amazing achievements! 🏆

He is a hero in aviation and space exploration. He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, which is one of the highest honors for astronauts. He also received the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery as a pilot. Joe was even inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1997, which celebrates astronauts who made significant contributions to space travel. His accomplishments inspire many kids, just like you, to dream big and reach for the stars! ⭐

Joe Engle grew up in a loving family and always loved flying ✈️. After finishing high school in 1950, he went to the University of New Mexico where he studied Aeronautical Engineering. This is a subject that teaches how to design and build aircraft. Joe loved learning about science and flying! By 1956, he graduated and joined the U.S. Air Force, where he became a pilot. His passion for flying took him to new heights, and he earned many awards, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal! His early education helped him become an amazing astronaut later on. 🌟

Joe Engle didn’t just fly in space; he also helped design spacecraft! 🛠

️ After his missions, he worked as an aerospace engineer, using his experiences to make flying safer and better. He contributed to programs that improved airplane safety and helped develop new space technology. His understanding of how an aircraft works was important for future missions. Joe helped create better ways for astronauts to live and work in space, benefiting future space travelers who continue to explore beyond our planet! 🌍