Project Manhigh II: The Historic Flight from the Cuyuna Mine Pits to the Edge of Space

On the quiet, rugged terrain of Minnesota's Cuyuna Range, history was made in 1957 when the United States Air Force launched Project Manhigh II, a groundbreaking biomedical research mission. Far from the typical launch sites associated with modern space exploration, this pioneering event took place in a location few would have expected—the abandoned mine pits of Cuyuna. As surprising as the setting may seem, the insights gained here were pivotal to advancing the United States' space exploration efforts.

What Was Project Manhigh?

The Manhigh series was a sequence of missions designed to investigate how humans could survive and function in the near-space environment. At the time, spaceflight was a distant dream, but the Air Force understood that there were critical questions to answer about human physiology at high altitudes. These missions helped to study the effects of cosmic radiation, pressure, and isolation, providing crucial data that would later be used in NASA's manned spaceflight programs.

In Manhigh II, Air Force Captain David Simons ascended to an altitude of 101,516 feet in a sealed gondola attached to a massive helium balloon. He spent 32 hours suspended in this near-space environment, experiencing some of the same conditions future astronauts would face.

The Cuyuna Mine Pits: An Unlikely Launch Site

While the Cuyuna Range is best known today for its scenic lakes and world-class mountain biking trails, it played a vital role in early space research. The pits left behind from iron mining provided the perfect location for the Manhigh missions. Their remote and expansive nature made them ideal for balloon launches that needed a wide berth, free from large populations and commercial flight paths.

This launch from the Cuyuna mine pits underscored the area's significance, adding an intriguing layer to its history. It's fascinating to think that the same mine pits that now attract outdoor enthusiasts were once the site of a mission that touched the space threshold.

A Feature in Life Magazine

The daring Manhigh II mission captured the imagination of the American public and

was featured in Life Magazine, one of the most influential publications of its time. The magazine documented Captain Simons' high-altitude journey and his contribution to space science. With its trademark photojournalism, Life brought the excitement and significance of this project into households across the country, raising awareness of the possibilities of human space exploration.

A Legacy that Shaped the Space Race

The data collected from Manhigh II was critical in shaping America's approach to human-crewed spaceflight. It directly informed the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, allowing scientists and engineers to anticipate astronauts' challenges and develop life support systems accordingly. Captain Simons' journey was a leap forward in understanding space's physical and psychological demands, marking one of the earliest steps toward the moon landing and beyond.

Remembering Manhigh in Cuyuna Today

Although many visitors to Cuyuna today come for its vibrant outdoor recreation opportunities, the city has a rich history that few realize. Project Manhigh II reminds visitors of how this beautiful landscape once played a crucial role in early space exploration. From the mines to the stars, Cuyuna's legacy reaches far beyond the trails and waters.

As you explore the stunning mine pits, remember that this region was once a key launch site for research that touched the heavens. While Life Magazine captured the event for the world to see, the significance of this project endures as part of the story of how humans reached for the stars.

Next time you're biking the trails or paddling the lakes of Cuyuna, remember—you're treading ground that helped pioneer human spaceflight.

Video of actual mission:

You can learn more about this fascinating mission at the Soo Line Depot Museum, 101 1st Street NE, Crosby, MN, 56441

It's like you've seen the mural on the side of the Spalding House in Crosby, Minnesota. This mural pictures USAF Major David G. Simons, MD, on August 19, 1957, when he completed the Manhigh II high-altitude balloon mission.