Did you know the path to space started with a giant balloon? 🎈 Meet the Explorer II Gondola, the newest feature installed in the National Geographic Museum of Exploration. This small-but-mighty pressurized cabin attached to a balloon was behind one of the most daring stratosphere expeditions. In partnership with the U.S. Army Air Corps, insidenatgeo sent Captains Albert Stevens and Orvil Anderson into the unknown. They took exploration to new record-breaking heights, spending over before tumbling safely back to Earth — and straight into the history books. ✨ We can't wait for you to see the replica of this legendary part of aviation history for yourself at #TheMOE this summer. ✈️