This issue has the detailed report of the Explorer I balloon flight which terminated due to a rip in the fabric at an altitude above 60,000 feet, and then had a final burst in the balloon fabric about a minute before crashing. The article makes interesting reading with pictures of the impact showing the parachutes of the surviving crew, and the spectrograph. The fabric from this balloon was ripped apart by Nebraska folks for souvenirs. This record altitude attempt was announced in the April 1934 issue and some details were given on the preparations in the July 1934 Issue.

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First Day Cover for Explorer (front side of envelope)

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First Day Cover for Explorer (back side of envelope above)

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Post Card..."Explorer I"...this card has a b/w photo of "Explorer I" tugging at its mooring lines. This was issued for the 1935 flight (Explorer II) with the pilots signatures on the front. Note that the 1935 event pass (below) had the Explorer I pictured for the event as well.

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This issue has the report of the failed attempt to launch Explorer II. Detailed analysis of the splits near the balloon top gas release panel are given. The balloon had to be returned to Goodyear Rubber for repairs.  This second record altitude attempt was announced in the Feb. 1935 issue and some details were given on the preparations in the June 1935 Issue.

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Balloon Burst Inflating - 3 A. M. July 12, 1935...First Day Cover... postmarked in Rapid City, S. D.

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This pass was for admittance to the Stratobowl for the 1935 launch of Explorer II. (see the details for admittance below).

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These are the details for the above pass.

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This is a souvenir ticket to the 1935 Explorer II balloon launch.

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Souvenir Satin Pillow...(not stuffed)...drawing (on gold colored satin)  of "Explorer II" in flight w/ Mount Rushmore and Black Hills shown...printed Souvenir of National Geographic Society - Army Air Corps Stratosphere. This would appear to be a S. Dakota produced souvenir.

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This issue has extensive reporting on the success of Explorer II (Nov. 11, 1935 Flight).  The surviving balloon was protected from vandals and was used for official NGS balloon bookmark mementoes (see below).

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This issue has detailed scientific results from data collected during the flight.  It also had the pictorial of the "Curvature of the Earth" which was taken aloft. (see pictorials section).

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Dow Metals Commemorative Balloon Flight Coin...issued by Dow Chemical Co...made from the same alloy as the "Explorer II" gondola. 

Click on Pic to Enlarge .... either coin (obverse of each shown) $375

Dow Metals Commemorative Balloon Flight Coin...issued by Dow Chemical Co...made from the same alloy as the "Explorer II" gondola. 

Click on Pic to Enlarge .... either coin (obverse of each shown) $375

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Stratosphere Series No. 1...The National Geographic Society - U. S. Army Air Corps Stratosphere Flight of 1934 in the Balloon "Explorer"... paper cover technical report on flight. 7" x 10"  122 pages... Spine is plain (paper same as the covers)  

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Stratosphere Series No. 2...The National Geographic Society - U. S. Army Air Corps Stratosphere Flight of 1935 in the Balloon "Explorer II"...paper cover technical report on flight.  7" x 10"  278 pages... Spine is plain (paper same as the covers) Also included is the first pictorial from 73395 feet showing the curvature of the earth, etc. This book is over 3/4" thick.

Click on Pic to Enlarge ....$600

Explorer II note which was paper clipped into front of the technical report (above).  It indicates that this is a presentation of the volume compliments of the NGS. Additional copies $1.50 (actual cost of printing and mailing at that time).  4.5" x 6"

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Click on either Pic to Enlarge ....$175

Click on either Pic to Enlarge ....$225  

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This issue celebrates the 20th anniversary of the epoch flight.

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This is the 75th anniversary issue of the NGS.  The high drama of the escape from Explorer I is used on the cover. Both Explorer I and II are recapped in this issue.

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The Explorer II gondola on display at Explorers Hall.  Most of the postcards of this era were about such exhibitions at Headquarters. (see other postcards in the Headquarters section).

Click on Pic to Enlarge see Headquarters / Explorers Hall category for this postcard. (click the link below). 

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