Skydiver to Attempt Record-Breaking Supersonic 'Space Jump' Oct. 8
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.
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.
Baumgartner's 2,900-pound (1,315 kilograms) capsule was damaged in a hard landing during a July 25 practice run from 97,146 feet (29,610 m), forcing a delay while repairs were made. But on Monday (Sept. 24), officials with Red Bull Stratos — the name of Baumgartner's mission — declared the capsule fit for launch and set Oct. 8 as the target date for the skydiver's "space jump."
The all-clear came as welcome news to Baumgartner, who is itching to go.
More at: http://news.yahoo.com/skydiver-attempt-record-breaking-supersonic-space-jump-oct-173315404.html
= new reply since forum marked as read
