PROJECT STARGAZER - TEST FLIGHT

Developed by Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory / Air Force Office of Scientific Research / Dearborn Observatory, Northwestern University / Experimental Astronomy Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Balloon launched on 4/14/1961, from Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico, US

Purpose of the flight and payload description

The general purpose of the STARGAZER program was to test the feasibility of doing astronomical research from a manned balloon-borne vehicle.

It was initiated in 1957 at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Later, the program was under the sponsorship of the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories and the scientific portion was conducted at Dearborn Observatory, Northwestern University under the guidance of Dr. Allen Hynek. In association with Dearborn Observatory, the Experimental Astronomy Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was responsible for the telescope mounting and stabilization system and the Naval Ordnance Test Station furnished a scientific assistant and technical assistance in the design and construction of the instruments. Finally, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was responsible for the gondola and its fittings and the high altitude indoctrination of the observer and the R&D test branch of AFCRL was responsible for the balloon launch operation.

The project included several unmmaned test flights starting in 1960 that would culminate on the only crewed flight in December 1962. Two failed attempts of a second flight were carried out in 1963 just before the project's cancellation.

The sealed capsule for the project was an aluminum cylinder 13 feet high and 7 feet in diameter that was originally designed as a platform for a high-altitude escape program that never materialized. On top the capsule was located a Cassegrain reflector telescope with a primary mirror of 12 inches in diameter and a effective focal length of approximately 120 inches.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 4/14/1961
Launch site: Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico, US  
Balloon launched by: Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories (AFCRL)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon General Mills 3.208.000 cuft (2x0..5 Mils. Taped)
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 4/14/1961
Landing site: Balloon burst at 45.000 ft
 Overall weight: 5600 lbs

External references

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