Stratosphere Ascent -- Two Belgium scientists, Professor Max Cosyns and his Assistant ***** Van Der Elst, who took off from Belgium for a stratosphere ***** and were fore some time considered lost. Have come down in ***** after it is said reaching a height of 26,000 Meters. Professor Max Cosyns photographed a moment before his departure. M. Van Der Elst can be seen leaning out of one of the portholes of the gondola. October 1, 1934. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency Limited).