Brian Binnie

William Brian Binnie (April 26, 1953 – September 15, 2022) was a notable American test pilot and United States Navy officer, recognized for his significant contributions to aerospace and space exploration. He is best known for piloting SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded spacecraft to reach space, which won the Ansari X Prize in 2004.

Early Life and Education

Binnie was born in West Lafayette, Indiana, and spent part of his childhood in Scotland before moving to Boston. He earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and a master's degree in fluid mechanics from Brown University. He later obtained another master's degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. Binnie served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of commander and flying various aircraft, including the A-7 Corsair II and F/A-18 Hornet. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1988.1

Career in Aerospace

Binnie's aerospace career included significant milestones:

• SpaceShipOne: He piloted the first powered flight of SpaceShipOne on December 17, 2003, and later commanded its second flight on October 4, 2004, which reached an altitude of 367,442 feet, earning him the title of the 436th person in space and the second FAA Astronaut Badge for a flight on a privately operated spacecraft.2

• Later Roles: After his time with Scaled Composites, where he worked as a test pilot and program manager, Binnie joined XCOR Aerospace in 2014 as a senior engineer and test pilot.4

Personal Life and Legacy

Binnie was married and had three children. He passed away on September 15, 2022, at the age of 69. His legacy includes not only his pioneering flights but also his influence on the development of private spaceflight, inspiring future generations of aerospace engineers and pilots.3