After testing for over five years and planning since 2005, witness Felix Baumgartner, only the third person to have ever jumped from 71,615 feet, attempt at creating history today at 5:50pm IST.
A part of the Red Bull Stratos, a mission to the edge of space, Felix will ascend 120,000 feet high in a stratospheric balloon and make a free fall jump, rushing toward earth at supersonic speeds before parachuting to the ground. His attempt to dare atmospheric limits holds the potential to provide valuable medical and scientific research data for future pioneers.
The team of experts who built this one-of-a-kind technology include retired United States Air Force Colonel Joseph Kittinger, who holds three of the records Felix will strive to break. Joe’s record jump from 102,800 ft. in 1960 was during a time when no one knew if a human could survive a jump that high and close to space.
Felix has already set a world record during his test jump by successfully jumping from 18 miles / 29 kilometres above the Earth 97,145 feet / 29,610 meters, freefalling as fast as a commercial airliner - 536 miles per hour / 864 kilometres per hour (latest figures sanctioned by USPA and NAA). This test jump was a significant achievement in ballooning history but also proved that safety and recovery systems are functional in preparation for the 120,000 feet attempt.
The jump will be telecast live on History TV18 and in.com.