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Man in Space A National Historic Landmark Theme Study

L. Other Support Facilities

24. Rogers Dry Lake (Edwards AFB)

Although a natural resource the Rogers Dry Lake is recommended for designation as a National Historic Landmark because of its association with flight testing of advanced aircraft that opened the way to space. The natural attributes of clean air, isolated location, ideal weather, proximity to variable terrain, and the large surface of the dry lakebed provided a natural laboratory in which to flight test aircraft that were on the cutting edge in aviation and aerospace technology. As a resource the Rogers Dry Lake has contributed as much to the American aircraft and aerospace effort as any manmade facility. Starting in 1947 with the flight of the Bell X-1, the first plane to break the sound barrier, to the landing of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1981, the Rogers Dry Lake has been the scene of some of the most important developments in the history of aviation.

Last Modified: Mon, Jan 8 2001 10:00:00 am PDT
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