The Stratobowl: The 1930s Race to the Edge of Space | Great American Story | FOX 10 Phoenix

0 January 25, 2026 14:30

Did America’s Space Race actually begin in a quiet forest in South Dakota? Decades before Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon, a group of daring pioneers were already pushing the boundaries of the unknown. In this episode of The Great American Story, hosts Ron Hoon and Jon Noetzel take us on a journey to the Black Hills to reveal the incredible, forgotten saga of the "Strato-Bowl."

Experience the high-stakes drama of the Explorer I and Explorer II missions. From a terrifying tear in Explorer I’s balloon at 60,000 feet, which led to a mid-air explosion, to the ingenious "half-black, half-white" gondola trick used to survive the -70°F stratospheric cold, this episode is packed with "Movietone" archival footage and some fascinating nuggets of trivia. You’ll see how these 1930s explorers captured the first-ever photos of the Earth’s curvature and set a world altitude record of 72,395 feet—a record that stood for over 20 years!

More than just a scientific stunt, these voyages changed the course of history. Learn how this partnership between the U.S. Army and the National Geographic Society provided the vital breakthroughs in radio communication and pressurized flight that helped America win World War II and paved the way for NASA. Whether you’re a history buff, a space enthusiast, or just love a good adventure, you won’t want to miss this look at the "hidden" birthplace of the Space Age. Click play to journey 14 miles up into the Great American stratosphere!

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