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The High Altitude Research Program (HARP) was
funded by McGill University, under the direction of
Gerald Bull, and the U.S. Army Ballistic Research
Laboratory, under the direction of Charles Murphy. The
goal of the program was to develop a low-cost method
of conducting atmospheric and space research.
HARP produced cannon launch altitude records that
have yet to be broken. The highest apogee, achieved
not just once, but 15 times during a four-day period in
1966, was 180 km. The mass of the rocket-shaped
projectiles launched to this altitude was 100 kg, and the
muzzle speed was 2100 m/s. This altitude is well above
the conventional definition of the threshold of space,
100 km, and in fact above the altitude that is necessary
for a satellite to orbit without excessive atmospheric drag, 150 km.
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