U-2 preparing to land at Beale AFB. Note there are only fore and aft bicycle landing gear. The wingtips have titanium braces, allowing the aircraft to "tip over" during landing rollout.
The "old" logo for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB. Still beloved by many.
Christopher Michel trying out the "tube" food & drink in his pressure suit.
Airman monitors Christopher Michel in the pressure chamber.
The U-2 prepares for takeoff. The wing gear will fall away at take-off.
U-2 landing with "chase car" right behind it.
U-2 landing
Christopher Michel pre-breathing oxygen prior to full suit-up.
LCOL Joe Santucci, USAF, Commanding Officer of the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron, observes as Christopher Michel suits up.
Christopher Michel
Gatorade anyone?
Christopher Michel gives the "thumbs up" as he prepares to go flying.
Christopher Michel in the pressure chamber.
Christopher Michel in the pressure chamber...about to go up to 70,000 feet cabin altitude...and then experience a rapid decompression (photograph USAF)
Trying out the "tube-food". Chocolate pudding, not bad.
Cockpit of the U-2
Christopher Michel at 50,000 feet
Christopher Michel on departure from Beale AFB
At 60,000 feet above (of all places) Berkeley, California
At 70,000 feet, dark space can be clearly seen above the curving earth.
At 70,000 feet ice starts to build up on the windscreen.
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