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Today in History: Jeannette Piccard first woman to reach stratosphere

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

Jeannette Piccard piloted a hot-air balloon to 57,579 feet (17,550 m), entering the stratosphere and setting a women’s altitude record that lasted nearly thirty years. Her ascent made her the first woman to fly in the stratosphere and, according to contemporaries, the first woman in space.

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Story summary

Jeannette Piccard piloted a hot-air balloon to 57,579 feet (17,550 m), entering the stratosphere and setting a women’s altitude record that lasted nearly thirty years. Her ascent made her the first woman to fly in the stratosphere and, according to contemporaries, the first woman in space.