Chuck Yeager, First Pilot to Break the Sound Barrier, Dies at 97

This aviator with “The Right Stuff” set records in the air and helped pave the way for NASA’s successes.

By Mark Zastrow
Dec 9, 2020 2:45 PMDec 9, 2020 2:43 PM
yeager bell x1
Chuck Yeager poses with his Bell X-1 rocket plane, which he nicknamed "Glamorous Glennis" after his wife. (Credit: U.S. Air Force)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

The legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager, who became the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound, died on Monday, December 7.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.