Explorer II Establishes World Altitude Record

November 11, 1935, Albert W. Stevens and Orvil Anderson ascended in Explorer II from the Stratobowl, a smooth hollow in South Dakota’s Black Hills. They reached 72,395 feet, a world altitude record that would stand for two decades.

Explorer II reached over 21,945 meters (72,000 feet) in 1935.

Capt. Albert Stevens' and Capt. Orvil Anderson's world altitude record stood for 20 years.

Stevens' and Anderson's world altitude record stood for 20 years.