8 October: World's Highest Ever Skydive

[NanuqoftheNorth]

An Austrian daredevil plans to leap from nearly 23 miles above the Earth on Oct. 8 in a supersonic plunge that, if successful, will be the world's highest-ever skydive.

Jay Nemeth / Red Bull Content Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner gets set to leap from his capsule at an altitude of roughly 71,500 feet on March 15.

If all goes according to plan, a helium-filled balloon will lift off from Roswell, N.M., on Oct. 8 and carry Felix Baumgartner's custom-built capsule to an altitude of 120,000 feet (36,576 meters). The daredevil will then step out of the capsule into the void, breaking a skydiving record that has stood for 52 years.

The current record for world's highest skydive stands at 102,800 feet (31,333 m). It was set in 1960 by U.S. Air Force Capt. Joe Kittinger, who serves as an adviser for Baumgartner's mission. [ Most Extreme Human Spaceflight Records]

If Baumgartner succeeds on Oct. 8, he will break not only that mark but also the sound barrier, becoming the first skydiver ever to fall at supersonic speeds, Red Bull Stratos officials said. During the July 25 jump, Baumgartner's top freefall speed was 537 mph (864 kph) — about as fast as a commercial airliner.

http://www.msnbc.msn..._science-space/

[Falcons1stPanthers2nd]

fug that poo.

[SCMunnerlyn1]

I would try it.. if ya paid me.

[Guest]

120,000 or 14,000, if something goes wrong...dead is dead (I've done 14,000, twice)

[Hawk]

I don't get it, but maybe that's just me

[Darth Biscuit]

Somebody tell me what the difference is between jumping at 120,000' and 40,000'. Both require oxygen, no? Just for longer from 120,000'.

You don't fall any faster once you reach terminal velocity. Obviously there are more logistics to reach 120,000'.

[Floppin]

Somebody tell me what the difference is between jumping at 120,000' and 40,000'. Both require oxygen, no? Just for longer from 120,000'.

You don't fall any faster once you reach terminal velocity. Obviously there are more logistics to reach 120,000'.

Due to a thinner atmosphere at a higher altitude a greater terminal velocity is obtainable. For instance, terminal velocity in full atmosphere for him in a "speed diving" position would be about 200mph. Terminal velocity is obtained when the drag force equals the force of gravity, with less atmosphere to create an opposing force, a greater velocity is obtainable.

[Epistaxis]

To break the record.

To wear a cool space suit.

To have the best story at the bar when working the chicks.

That's all I got...but really all you need.

[Hawk]

I didn't read the article, but I'm curious what this little adventure is going to cost?!

[Darth Biscuit]

Due to a thinner atmosphere at a higher altitude a greater terminal velocity is obtainable. For instance, terminal velocity in full atmosphere for him in a "speed diving" position would be about 200mph. Terminal velocity is obtained when the drag force equals the force of gravity, with less atmosphere to create an opposing force, a greater velocity is obtainable.

Yeah, didn't think about that... but don't you slow down as you enter the lower atmosphere?

Otherwise he'll need a big ass parachute...

[Floppin]

Yeah, didn't think about that... but don't you slow down as you enter the lower atmosphere?

Otherwise he'll need a big ass parachute...

Yes he will slow down. But in order to break the sound barrier, he needed a longer free fall in order to reach such a velocity. Hence the higher starting point, besides the obvious record height goal.

[Darth Biscuit]

Yes he will slow down. But in order to break the sound barrier, he needed a longer free fall in order to reach such a velocity. Hence the higher starting point, besides the obvious record height goal.

Yeah, I skipped that part above about breaking the sound barrier. He crazy.

[Guest]

To break the record.

To wear a cool space suit.

To have the best story at the bar when working the chicks.

That's all I got...but really all you need.

There it is right there. Its all about dat azz.

[Mrs Pantherfan]

There it is right there. Its all about dat azz.

I'd tap that before hearing that he jumped from a million miles above earth.....