FAR SIDE PROJECT

Developed by Air Force Office of Scientific Research / Aeronutronic Systems Inc.

Balloon launched on 10/3/1957, from Eniwetok Air Base, Marshall Islands

Purpose of the flight and payload description

Project Far Side was a series of six low-cost, all-solid-fuel, four-stage, balloon-launched sounding rockets, each launched from a stratospheric balloon. It was based on the rockoon concept: when each balloon reached its maximum altitude of about 100,000 feet, the rockets fired through the balloon.

Each Far Side rocket carried a scientific payload of three to five pounds of instruments for measuring cosmic rays, electromagnetic radiations, interplanetary gases, and other phenomena.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 10/3/1957
Launch site: Eniwetok Air Base, Marshall Islands  
Balloon launched by: General Mills Inc.
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon General Mills
Flight identification number: GMI - 2288
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 10/3/1957
Landing site: Rocket succesfully launched. 500 miles apogee confirmed.
 Payload weight: 2400 lbs

Rocket succesfully launched. 500 miles apogee confirmed.

External references

  • Farside project International missile and spacecraft guide, pag. 73, (1960)

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