General problems involved in sensing atmospheric water vapor in the tropopause and stratosphere are discussed. The specific problem of performing these measurements with a dew-point instrument on a large balloon and the results of a program which included the development of the alpha radiation hygrometer are presented. These results are considered in the light of laboratory investigations and theoretical considerations to determine the validity of the obtained profiles. (Author).

Published herein are the papers presented at the second annual AFCRL Scientific Balloon Symposium covering the advances shown in balloon design, materials, instrumentation, meteorology, and scientific applications since the last symposium held in Boston on 25, 26 and 27 September 1963. Balloon technology presentations include stress studies, new balloon films, sensing elements, telemetry systems and a new balloon locating system. Applications and experience in working with tethered, meteorological and sounding balloons are discussed. In addition, information is presented on such existing programs as BAL-AST, and Surveyor and such proposed projects as the "AFCRL Stratospheric Humidity Program" and "The Mars Balloon."

The bibliography of AFCRL in-house technical reports lists all reports issued in the existing series. In addition, appendices list reports issued from 1962 to 1964 when series designations were not used, and reports issued in now-defunct series.