Balls 8

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A closeup of NASA's NB-52B "Balls 8" showing mission markings.

The Balls Eight is a NASA NB-52B Mothership^[1], NASA tail number 52-0008^[2]. It was retired from active service with NASA on 17 December 2004 after almost 50 years flying service.^[3] The Balls 8 was famous for dropping aerospace research vehicles for 106 flights of the X-15^[4]. It flew a total of 159 captive-carry and launch missions in support of the X-15 program from June 1959 to October 1968. It also flew missions supporting the X-24, HiMAT, Lifting Body vehicles, X-43, and numerous others.

The Balls 8 was the oldest active B-52 at the time, having first flown on June 11, 1955, and entering service with NASA on 8 June 1959. It was modified at North American Aviation's Palmdale facility to allow it to carry the X-15 beneath its right wing. The modified bomber first was used to launch the X-15 on its fifth flight, 23 January 1960.

The Balls 8 was the last B-52B in service of any type other than the H model. It also had the lowest total air time of any operational B-52.

It derives its nickname "Balls 8" from its tail number; the double zeros resembling testicles, plus the number 8.