She became known in the 1950s and 1960s as a leader in high altitude gas balloon development and exploration, belonging to a group of pioneers known as the "Pre-Astronauts."

In 1949, Simons co-founded one of the world's first plastic balloon companies called Winzen Research, Inc. with her then-husband Otto C.

[7] Later that year, she showed a project called "Sky Structure" at Milwaukee's Lake Front Festival of the Arts.

She collaborated with meteorologist and NOAA researcher Rudolf J. Englemann to perform in-flight experiments on atmospheric pollution.

[8][9] Over the course of two years, Simons designed and supervised the construction of a polyethylene balloon and a double-decker fiberglass gondola lift.

[11] During the flight, Simons dropped small balloons, which carried Douglas fir seedlings, into cleared areas.

She also took time-lapse photos, made sound recordings, and used mirrors to create lighting effects for spectators watching her journey from the ground.

Each balloon was piloted by a famous balloonist: Joe Kittinger, Ben Abruzzo (co-piloted by Simons), and Larry Newman.

[7] Her image is included in the iconic 1972 poster Some Living American Women Artists by Mary Beth Edelson.