The CSBF was established in Boulder, Colorado in 1961 under the auspices of the National Science Foundation. The facility was moved to Palestine, Texas in 1963 and designated as the National Scientific Balloon Facility in January 1973. NSBF operations in Palestine Texas led to the construction of improved balloon launch facilities, allowing for the development of larger scientific balloons with more research capabilities.

In 1982, sponsorship of the NSBF was transferred from the National Science Foundation to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the NSBF became a separate entity under the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).

On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia and crew were lost over the East Texas skies during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. The 28th and final flight of Columbia (STS-107) was a 16-day mission dedicated to research in physical, life, and space sciences. In the months following the loss of Columbia, the Facility and surrounding community were instrumental in the debris recovery operations. On February 1, 2006, the National Scientific Balloon Facility was renamed the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility as a reminder of what the Columbia’s crew stood for: honor, bravery, and the quest for knowledge for generations to come. The official renaming ceremony was held at the Facility on February 23, 2006. Currently, CSBF is operated via a Peraton contract and the Wallops Flight Facility’s Balloon Program Office.

This video documents one of the earlier balloon launches carried out by (at the time) NCAR in 1964.

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