Fearless Felix stratospheric skydive: Parachutist jumps from 18 miles in the air
File photo of a skydiver
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 07/25/2012
Skydiver Felix Baumgartner has done it again.
The 43-year-old Austrian plunged to Earth from an altitude of about 96,640 feet Wednesday -- more than 18 miles. He landed safely near Roswell, N.M.
It's the second stratospheric leap for "Fearless Felix". He's aiming for a record-breaking jump from 125,000 feet, or 23 miles, in another month. He hopes to go supersonic, breaking the speed of sound with just his body.
Longtime record-holder Joe Kittinger jumped from 102,800 feet in 1960 for the Air Force. Kittinger monitored Wednesday's test jump from Roswell.
Just like in March, Baumgartner ascended in an enclosed capsule lifted by a giant helium balloon. He wore a full-pressure suit and used parachutes.
NASA is paying close attention to this Red Bull-funded project.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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