Dr. Jean Piccard is inflating one of the 80 balloons which he planned to use in his ascent. He is assisted by Elden Olson, University of Minnesota aeronautical student. Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch this rehearsal of the ground crew on July 7, 1935 at Soldiers Field, Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Jean Piccard was a University of Minnesota physicist and aeronautical engineer who believed it was possible to ascend into the stratosphere using many small cluster balloons rather than one large balloon. The experimental flight was sponsored by the Rochester Kiwanis Club and supported by local residents and students.