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In reply to the discussion: Skydiver lands safely after historic jump from edge of space [View all]BlueStreak
(8,377 posts)79. My point is that it is not a precise speed
During the real time display, I didn't see the velocity go above 720. The "speed of sound" is something like 760 MPH, but that is at sea level. The speed varies widely.
After the jump, the team said his peak speed was in the 800s, so that is certainly above the "speed of sound" in the normal atmosphere.
Was there a "sonic boom" or did he just go faster than an arbitrary number? "Breaking the sound barrier" implies a boom, even if it is a small one.
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That was one of the coolest thing I have ever seen. He was flipping early then got it under control
sarcasmo
Oct 2012
#1
He also broke the record for greatest height ever ascended in a balloon at over 127,000 feet.
go west young man
Oct 2012
#28
Well, if I were on their marketing team, that's absolutely what I'd be thinking.
calimary
Oct 2012
#32
People probably asked the same thing of the Wright brothers' little stunts, too.
kestrel91316
Oct 2012
#54
I'm thinking this proves that could be used as part of an astronaut rescue system
TrogL
Oct 2012
#55
I certainly understand those who are confused by humanities attempt to push itself beyond its define
LanternWaste
Oct 2012
#90