X-24 a Launch from B52. The X-24A lifting-body research aircraft begins its rocket-powered flight after being launched from the wing of NASA's B-52 mothership during a 1970 research flight. NASA B-52, Tail Number 008, is an air launch carrier aircraft, mothership, as well as a research aircraft platform that has been used on a variety of research projects (NASA Media Archives). Buy this as a superb wall poster, a canvas print or a framed print.