Russell L. Rogers

Russell Lee Rogers (April 12, 1928 – September 13, 1967), (Lt Col, USAF), was an American electrical engineer, U.S. Air Force officer, test pilot, and astronaut in the X-20 Dyna-Soar program.

Early life and education

Rogers was born on April 12, 1928, in Lawrence, Kansas.Template:R He received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado in 1958.Template:R He was married with five children.Template:R

Test pilot

Rogers flew 142 missions as a fighter pilot during the Korean War.Template:R As a USAF Test Pilot School graduate,Template:R he was an experimental test pilot at Edwards AFB, California. During this assignment, Rogers served as a key member of the team that tested the Northrop T-38 Talon jet trainer.Template:R He was also a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.Template:R In April 1960, he was selected for the X-20 program.Template:R After several years supporting the Boeing-led program as a pilot consultant,Template:R Rogers left the X-20 program on December 10, 1963, when it was cancelled.Template:RTemplate:R

After the X-20 program, he remained in the U.S. Air Force on active flight duty as a pilotTemplate:R and was commander of the 12th Tactical Fighter Squadron with the rank of Lt. Colonel at the time of his death.Template:R

Death

Rogers was killed when the engine of his F-105 fighter plane failed near Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan on September 13, 1967.Template:R He ejected from his aircraft, but his parachute failed to deploy properly. He was 39 years old.

External links

• Spacefacts biography of Russell L. Rogers