For decades, Edwards Air Force base in Southern California's Mojave Desert has been at the forefront of innovative flight research in the U.S.
From breaking the sound barrier to landing a space shuttle, the base has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in aviation history.
However, tragedy struck on Monday when a B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all eight people aboard.
The base, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, has a rich history of making history, including the first jet-powered aircraft flight in 1942 and Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier in 1947.
In 1981, astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen landed the Space Shuttle Columbia on the base's dry lake bed, marking a major milestone in space exploration.
Today, Edwards Air Force Base remains a critical hub for the U.S. Air Force's aircraft test and development efforts, with all Air Force aircraft tested there, along with some Navy and Army aircraft.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the B-52 crash, which occurred during a routine test mission.
