History

The SBA began as an idea at the 2010 Academic High Altitude Conference held at Iowa State University in Ames, IA.  Discussions were made about forming a group that helps to promote and provides education about high-altitude ballooning.  Dr. Don Takahara suggested the group be created and then suggested that Prof. Matthew Nelson, the SBA's current president and co-founder, run the group.  From there, the group started collecting information and held meetings to formalize the organization.  At first, the group was named the National Near Space Alliance (NNSA).  In 2012 it was decided to change the name to the Stratospheric Ballooning Association and in 2013 the non-profit organization was registered in the State of Iowa.