TO ASCEND 25 MILES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 46, 23 February 1934, Page 7

TO ASCEND 25 MILES.

REMARKABLE SUIT DESIGNED. LONDON, February 17. Ventures into the stratosphere have lately been made in sealed metal observation chambers, but the London "Daily Mail" has announced that within a few months a man will attempt a 25-mile ascent in an open balloon basket. The ascent will be made from English soil, and the aim of 25 miles is double the existing record.

This project has been made possible through the work of two Englishmen in co-operation with a young American. The Englishmen are Professor J. S. Haklane, fellow of New College, Oxford, who is recognised internationally as the greatest expert in the world 011 respiration, and Sir Robert Davis, managing director of Siebe, Gorman, and Co., Ltd.. who, among his many inventions, i> famous for the Davis submarine escape apparatus. To these scientists came an American,

Mark Edward Ridge, 28, a young man of much aeronautical experience. Ridge realised that to make any great ascent into the stratosphere—as distinct from merely touching the fringe of it—or to make any real scientific observations, it was essential to use an open basket. This would alone give freedom to move about and read instruments actually in contact with the stratosphere. Professor Haldane expressed his belief in the project, and Sir Robert Davis in a month designed a suit which both confidently believe will enable the adventurer to reach great heights. Dressed in this suit, the young American has already, at the Lambeth, S.E., works of Siebe, Gorman, and Co., Ltd., been subjected to reduced atmospheric pressure representing a height of 90,000 feet, oj more than 17. miles.