Malcolm Ross (balloonist)

Malcolm David Ross (1919-1985) was a United States Naval officer, aerologist, and balloonist. He is best known for participating in two record-breaking high-altitude balloon flights for the U.S. Navy's Project Stratolab in the late 1950s.

Ross was born in Alamance, North Carolina. He graduated from Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) with a degree in meteorology. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an aerological officer.

In 1958, Ross and Lieutenant Commander Morton Lewis piloted Stratolab I-A, which reached an altitude of 76,000 feet. In 1961, Ross and Lieutenant Commander Victor A. Prather Jr. piloted Stratolab V, reaching a record altitude of 113,740 feet (34,668 meters). This flight set a world record for manned balloon altitude that stood until 1966. Tragically, Prather died during the descent when he fell into the Gulf of Mexico after a mishap with his pressure suit during recovery operations.

Ross continued to work for the Office of Naval Research after the Stratolab program ended. He was involved in the development of new types of high-altitude balloons and parachutes. He died in 1985. Ross was awarded the Harmon Trophy for his achievements in aviation. His contributions to high-altitude research and ballooning are significant.