Piccard Travels to the Stratosphere by Balloon
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Science and Technology Series
- Categories: Science, Aviation, Space Exploration
- Subcategories: Scientists, Engineering, Engineers, Aircraft, Airplanes, Transportation
- Curriculum: 20th & 21st Century European History, German History
- Geographical Location: Germany, Austria
- Date: May 27, 1931
Article abstract: Piccard piloted his balloon through an extended ascent into the stratosphere, presaging the space age in his pioneering use of a controlled-environment cabin.
Summary of Event
In the early 1930’s, the last of Earth’s physical frontiers were slowly being understood and conquered. Stories of humankind pushing its limits regularly qualified for the front page of major newspapers. When Auguste Piccard and Paul Kipfer ascended to 15,781 meters to break the world altitude record in a balloon of Piccard’s own design, the world was...
[The entire page is 2150 words long]