Project Manhigh

Project Manhigh

Manhigh II gondola

Project Manhigh was a United States Air Force program that took place in the late 1950s, designed to study the effects of high-altitude flight on humans. The project was a precursor to the space race and provided valuable data on the physiological and psychological challenges faced by humans in near-space environments.

Background

During the 1950s, the United States was keenly interested in exploring the upper atmosphere and the edge of space. The Cold War era spurred advancements in aerospace technology, and Project Manhigh was part of this broader effort to understand human capabilities in extreme conditions. The project aimed to gather data on cosmic radiation, temperature extremes, and the physiological effects of low-pressure environments.

Objectives

The primary objectives of Project Manhigh were:

• To study the physiological and psychological effects of high-altitude flight on humans.
• To gather data on cosmic radiation exposure at high altitudes.
• To test the feasibility of using balloons for manned flights to the edge of space.

Flights

Project Manhigh consisted of three manned balloon flights, each reaching altitudes above 95,000 feet (approximately 29,000 meters). These flights were conducted using specially designed gondolas that provided life support and protection from the harsh conditions of the upper atmosphere.

Manhigh I

The first flight, Manhigh I, took place on June 2, 1957. Captain Joseph Kittinger piloted the balloon, reaching an altitude of 96,784 feet. This flight provided critical data on the effects of high-altitude exposure and tested the equipment designed for such missions.

Manhigh II

Project Manhigh exhibit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force

The second flight, Manhigh II, was launched on August 19, 1957, with Major David Simons as the pilot. Simons reached an altitude of 101,516 feet, setting a new record for manned balloon flight. The mission lasted over 32 hours, during which Simons conducted various scientific experiments and observations.

Manhigh III

The final flight, Manhigh III, occurred on October 8, 1958, with Lieutenant Clifton McClure as the pilot. McClure reached an altitude of 99,700 feet. This flight further contributed to the understanding of human endurance and equipment performance in near-space conditions.

Legacy

Project Manhigh was instrumental in advancing the United States' knowledge of high-altitude and space flight. The data collected from these missions informed the design of future spacecraft and the development of life support systems. The project also laid the groundwork for subsequent programs, such as Project Excelsior and the Mercury program.

Related pages

• Project Excelsior
• Mercury program
• Space race
• Cold War