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Today in History: Jeannette Piccard makes history in stratospheric flight

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On October 23, 1934, Jeannette Piccard became the first woman to fly in the stratosphere, reaching an altitude of 57,579 feet (17,550 meters) in a hot-air balloon. This historic flight established her as a pioneering high-altitude balloonist and set a women's altitude record that stood for nearly three decades.

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Story summary

On October 23, 1934, Jeannette Piccard became the first woman to fly in the stratosphere, reaching an altitude of 57,579 feet (17,550 meters) in a hot-air balloon. This historic flight established her as a pioneering high-altitude balloonist and set a women's altitude record that stood for nearly three decades.