Report of Historic Status Air Force Research Laboratory Balloon Operations Center Building 850

Summary

In 1996, Building 850 had been previously evaluated as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) at the national level under Criterion A for its support of critical Cold War-era high atmosphere balloon research for both aeromedical and early space exploration studies. Project Moby Dick/Project Genetrix was an early aerial reconnaissance program that laid the groundwork for satellite reconnaissance programs in the 1950s. Project Man high studied the effects of cosmic rays on humans and animals in advance of the first men in space. These significant and historic projects were planned and implemented by the Balloon Operations group; gondolas were constructed, payloads assembled, parachutes sewn, and launches and recoveries were planned in Building 850. As the building is directly associated with these important projects, Building 850 is recommended eligible for listing in the NRHP under Criterion A. Though Building 850 is in fair to poor condition, it still retains its integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Holloman Air Force Base CR Manager

File Information