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Name: Peter J.
Status: other
Age:  40s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
Given today's advances in material science, theoretically to what altitude could we reach today. The 100,000 ft for weather balloons is comparable with Project Manhigh (circa 1950s) but I would assume that we could send one higher given today's technological advances.

Replies:
Peter,

There is virtually no atmosphere above about 90,000 feet. You have to have a huge balloon to reach those kinds of heights. Furthermore, there is virtually no atmospheric activity at that altitude, so it seems unnecessary to make measurements there.

David R. Cook
Atmospheric Research Section
Environmental Research Division
Argonne National Laboratory

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