Victor Prather
Victor Prather | |
---|---|
Born | Victor A. Prather Jr. June 4, 1926 Lapeer, Michigan, U.S. |
Died | May 4, 1961 (aged 34) Gulf of Mexico |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Flight surgeon |
Known for | High-altitude balloon flight |
Victor A. Prather Jr. (June 4, 1926 – May 4, 1961) was an American naval officer and flight surgeon who is best known for his contributions to high-altitude balloon flight and aerospace medicine.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Victor Prather was born in Lapeer, Michigan. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and later attended Tulane University School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree.
[edit | edit source]
Prather joined the United States Navy and became a flight surgeon. His work primarily focused on the physiological challenges faced by pilots and astronauts at high altitudes.
Project RAM[edit | edit source]
Prather is most renowned for his involvement in Project RAM, a high-altitude balloon project aimed at advancing the understanding of human survival in the upper atmosphere. On May 4, 1961, Prather and fellow naval officer Malcolm Ross ascended to a record altitude of 113,740 feet in a balloon. This mission provided valuable data for the United States space program.
Death[edit | edit source]
Tragically, Victor Prather died shortly after the successful flight. Upon landing in the Gulf of Mexico, he fell from the rescue helicopter into the water and drowned despite wearing a survival suit. His death underscored the risks associated with high-altitude and space exploration.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Prather's contributions to aerospace medicine and high-altitude flight have had a lasting impact on the field. His work helped pave the way for future advancements in both military and civilian aviation and space exploration.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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- 1926 births
- 1961 deaths
- American naval personnel
- Flight surgeons
- People from Lapeer, Michigan
- Tulane University alumni
- United States Navy officers
- Aviation pioneers
- Accidental deaths in Florida
- Deaths by drowning in the United States
- American balloonists
- Space medicine
- Medicine stubs
- Encyclopedia
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD