Austrian Felix Baumgartner survives a record-breaking 24-mile jump
Sunday, October 14 – millions of people all over the world stood staring in their TV or computer screens to witness one of the greatest and most dangerous jumps in human history. Yesterday, thrill-seeker Felix Baumgartner jumped from the edge of the space and became the first person to travel faster that the speed of sound unassisted by any additional technology.
The Austrian jumped from 24 miles of height and his fall continued for 4 minutes, 20 seconds of which he was falling entirely free. Felix Baumgartner tried to break three different records: the longest free fall without parachute, the highest jump from a platform and the highest vertical velocity. However, the 43-year-old daredevil claimed that his aim is not to be signed into the Guiness Book, but to collect scientific data which could be used in future.
The amazing mission was executed in New Mexico over Roswell. The area is often used for space trainings, because of its suitable weather conditions. Felix did not complete the tough task all by himself. He was supported by an entire team of specialists, including Joseph Kittinger, a retired Air Force Colonel. Kittinger is actually the person who holds the old record for highest sky jump. The Colonel performed his feat way back in 1960 when he jumped from 19 miles.
Baumgartner’s whole mission continued for almost three hours. Felix used a special helium balloon to reach the boundaries of the Earth atmosphere. People from every corner of the world were able to follow the event thanks to the 30 cameras and other recording devices situated on board of the 550-foot balloon and on the land. Baumgartner was also cheered by his family who watched his feat from the ground like everyone else. Felix’s mother, Ava Baumgartner, couldn’t hide her tears during the entire breathtaking experience. After Baumgartner finally touched down came a moment of relief and celebration.
Initially, Felix’s jump was scheduled for last Tuesday. However, the mission had to be aborted due to unfavourable weather conditions.
The space jump’s aim was to collect information which can help scientists to construct a new generation of space equipment. Also, with the mission Felix hoped to provide more data on the effects of supersonic speed and high altitude on the human body.
However, don’t think that the Austrian had an easy time doing his stunt. Baumgartner’s mission included a lot of risks and unpredictable factors. There was a chance of his suit to tear apart. If that had happened, Felix would have instantly died because of the zero atmospheric pressure.
Another risk that Felix was ready to take was the possibility of him losing control over his falling body. That would have led to his chaotic spinning and fatal brain and eye injuries. Moreover, these were only the known dangers that he could face. Because of the extreme nature of the mission, scientists informed that other unexplored hazards may also be endangering the life and health of the Austrian daredevil.
Felix Baumgartner completed his mission exactly 65 years after another record-breaking feat. On October 14, 1947, Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager became the first man to break the sound barrier.
