Fact Sheet
Minnesota Joyride
Joseph Kittinger (inset) took a big step toward space on June 2, 1957, when he piloted a balloon to an altitude of 14 miles (22 km) over Minnesota (flight path shown in red). The flight was part of Project Manhigh, which was studying how the human body would handle high-altitude flight in preparation for manned trips to space. Kittinger handled the flight without trouble, although an oxygen leak and other problems forced him to return to Earth early.
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