The system described in this article is currently being used extensively for the measurement of atmospheric temperature from 65 kilometers down to the level of balloon observation with an accuracy of approximately ±5K at 60 km. The miniature bead thermistor used in this system has a sensitivity which exceeds that of any previous temperature measuring techniques applied to the stratospheric region, and has revealed the existence of a large amount of detailed temperature structure throughout the stratosphere. The ease of application of this system has made possible the regular synoptic study of stratospheric temperature structure, as well as the research analysis of short term variability in the upper atmosphere. Abstract The system described in this article is currently being used extensively for the measurement of atmospheric temperature from 65 kilometers down to the level of balloon observation with an accuracy of approximately ±5K at 60 km. The miniature bead thermistor used in this system has a sensitivity which exceeds that of any previous temperature measuring techniques applied to the stratospheric region, and has revealed the existence of a large amount of detailed temperature structure throughout the stratosphere. The ease of application of this system has made possible the regular synoptic study of stratospheric temperature structure, as well as the research analysis of short term variability in the upper atmosphere.