On this day, 94 years ago, on May 27, 1931 (April 11, 1931 in the lunar calendar), Professor Piccard flew into the stratosphere by balloon. Professor August Piccard May 27, 1931 Professor August Piccard (1884-1962) became the first person to reach the stratosphere by balloon flight. Piccard lifted off from Augusburg, Germany, and rose to an altitude of 9.75 miles.