High altitude balloon, Explorer II, is launched from Dakota to altitude of 14 miles above the earth

Men work on gondola, of the high altitude scientific balloon, Explorer 2, a joint venture of the U.S. Army Air Corps and the National Geographic Society. The balloon being filled with helium. The gondola is attached to the balloon and it lifts off. One of the two-man crew can be seen standing atop the gondola, as the balloon begins its ascent. Scene shifts to the return of the balloon. Captain Anderson, pilot, and Captain Steven, in charge of scientific observations, are seen retrieving instruments from the balloon.