Project Genetrix
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Project Genetrix was a United States Air Force program which, beginning in January 1956, sent hundreds of surveillance balloons over the Soviet Union in order to take photographs and collect intelligence. Authorized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on December 27, 1955, Genetrix was the first espionage use of these balloons that had been tested in previous projects. Genetrix was a follow up to Project Skyhook, Project Mogul, Project Moby Dick and Project Grandson. The balloons were used to monitor the Soviet Union for such things as nuclear tests. Top-secret high altitude balloon programs such as Genetrix are believed to be one of the main explanations for many UFO sightings starting around the mid-20th century. The U-2 spy plane was later developed to replace the Genetrix balloons.
[edit] Sources
Sagan, Carl. The Demon-Haunted World. p. 83 (and others)
