In 1934 the NGS and Air Corps co-sponsored the '' Explorer '' , a manned high-altitude balloon capable of stratospheric flight . After the crash of the Soviet '' Osoaviakhim-1 '' that nevertheless set an altitude record of , the sponsors redefined their primary objectives from record-setting to scientific research and tests of new navigation instruments . Air Corps Capt. Albert William Stevens , Capt. Orvil Arson Anderson and Maj. William E. Kepner were selected to fly the '' Explorer '' . Kepner and Anderson , experienced balloonists , were in charge of locating a suitable launch site . According to Kepner , an ideal site would be a crater or canyon , a clear grassy valley encircled with rocky ridges high enough to shield the tall balloon from any wind . Ideally , the launch site it would have a high-voltage electric line , road and rail access , " and a trout stream " . Kepner and Anderson eventually located their dream canyon near Rapid City , South Dakota . City officials , fascinated by the expected publicity campaign , agreed to build a road and electric line
Osoaviakhim-1
Osoaviakhim-1
Stratobowl