About
High-altitude balloon pilot who became the first woman to guide a balloon to the stratosphere.
Before Fame
She attended Bryn Mawr College, the University of Chicago, and the University of Minnesota, earning degrees in psychology, philosophy, organic chemistry, and education.
Trivia
In 1934, accompanied by her husband, Jean Piccard, she reached nearly an 11 mile altitude over lake Erie, keeping control of her aircraft the entire time.
Family Life
Her husband, Jean Piccard, and his twin brother, Auguste, rose to fame through their series of pioneering balloon flights in the 1930s.
Associated With
Until Sally Ride entered outer space on the Space Shuttle Challenger, Jeanette Piccard (whose balloon ascended to the stratosphere) was considered the first American woman in space.
