The first recordings of the near infrared solar spectrum from high altitudes were made by an infrared spectrograph carried to an altitude of 102 000 feet by a skyhook plastic balloon on June 22, 1955, between 0559 and 0830 MST. The total absorption in the 1.9-micron water vapor absorption band and in the 2.0-micron carbon dioxide absorption bands was measured as a function of altitude. The amount of absorbing constituent above each level was determined. Some indication of the pressure dependence of the carbon dioxide absorption is determined. A comparison is made with other water vapor measurements in the atmosphere. A description of the infrared spectrograph, the recording equipment, and of the biaxial pointing control is given.
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Gates et al. (1958) studied this question.