Space History Photo: Key members of the XS-1 Research Team

A team of NACA researchers and pilots discuss the XS-1. CREDIT: NACA. View full size image

In this historical photo from the U.S. space agency, NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit XS-1 Team members and USAF Pilots are pictured in January 1948. From Left to Right: Joseph Vensel, Head of Operations; Gerald Truszynski, Head of Instrumentation; Captain Charles Chuck Yeager, USAF pilot; Walter Williams, Head of the Unit; Major Jack Ridley, USAF pilot; and De E. Beeler, Head of Engineers.

The National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA) was a precursor to NASA. NACA was created by Congress in 1915.

Each weekday, SPACE.com looks back at the history of spaceflight through photos (archive).