A Ring-Side View of the Heavens
Clip: Season 28 Episode 6 | 2m 20sVideo has Closed Captions
In 1957, David Simons rose a record-breaking 101,500 ft. above Earth. Premieres 3/1 on PBS
Radioing he had "a ring-side view of the heavens" Air Force officer David G. Simons made history in 1957 high aboard his Manhigh II balloon. He rose 101,500 feet above Earth, writing later he could barely comprehend the beauty of the sky. He was celebrated by The New York Times as "The First Space Man." "Space Men" premieres March 1 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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A Ring-Side View of the Heavens
Clip: Season 28 Episode 6 | 2m 20sVideo has Closed Captions
Radioing he had "a ring-side view of the heavens" Air Force officer David G. Simons made history in 1957 high aboard his Manhigh II balloon. He rose 101,500 feet above Earth, writing later he could barely comprehend the beauty of the sky. He was celebrated by The New York Times as "The First Space Man." "Space Men" premieres March 1 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.
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Before man could step on the moon, we had to take a giant leap. Premieres 3/1 on PBS. (30s)
Video has Closed Captions
Since 1783 balloonists risked their lives attempting ever-higher altitudes. Premieres 3/1. (2m 31s)
Video has Closed Captions
Dr. Stapp's team hoped to fly a man to over 100,000 ft. above Earth. Premieres 3/1 on PBS. (2m 5s)
Video has Closed Captions
Before NASA's rockets, a team of explorers took to the skies in balloons. Premieres 3/1 (8m 47s)
Video has Closed Captions
John Paul Stapp tested the limits of human physiology. Premieres March 1 at 9/8c on PBS. (2m 59s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.