Felix Baumgartner will be seeking to make history without becoming it on Sunday when he attempts to become the first man to go supersonic without the aid of mechanical propulsion. Baumgartner is in the midst of his ascent to just about 120,000 feet, where he will step out of his Red Bull Stratos capsule, do an elaborate bunny-hop maneuver, and free-fall some 20 miles to earth.
Felix Baumgartner Livestream: Watch Red Bull Stratos Space jump online
Felix Baumgartner jumped from a balloon about 127,000 feet above the Earth’s surface, landing safely a short time later.
Baumgartner was originally going to try for this feat on Tuesday, but had to cancel at the last moment because of wind issues. However, Baumgartner is on his way up and set to take his chances this Sunday morning.
If Baumgartner is successful, he’ll break four records:
- Highest altitude reached by man in a balloon
- Highest jump (120,000 ft, 23 miles)Longest freefall ever
- First man to travel faster than the speed of sound without propulsion device
The current record is held by Colonel Joe Kittinger, who set the mark in 1960 at a jump of 102,800 feet. According to Sky News, Kittinger relayed the following to Baumgartner.
“We are going to get your goal and your dream accomplished Felix.”
Highlights from Baumgartner’s attempt can be seen below.
Edit: Baumgartner’s attempt was successful. After jumping from just about 127,000, he landed safely in New Mexico. And he even stuck the landing.
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