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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Scientific Ballooning

Balloon Program Office

Manned Ballooning in the Stratosphere

  • 1930's
    • Explorer launch form the Stratobowl July 28, 1934.
    • Rubberized materials for balloon envelope.
  • 1950's and 1960's
    • Polyethylene for balloon envelope.
Capt. Joseph Kittinger free fall from 102,800 feet - Excelsior III August 16, 1960.

NASA Code 820

Scientific Balloon Update

Report back for the latest update from NASA's Balloon Program Office.