An experimental investigation of the atmospheric electric field from rocket-boosted parachute-deployed payloads has been conducted. Data from two prototype flights; a drop test from a high-atitude balloon on July 10, 1973; and a rocket test on July 24, 1974, indicate that measurements of the ambient electric field from parachuted payloads are possible under appropriate circumstances. However, intermittent anaomalous charging of the payloads, probes and parachute has sometimes prevented measurement of the ambint field. No good explanation of this anomalous behavior has been found. This charging process needs to be understood or prevented before fully reliable operation of this and other related instruments can be achieved.