Skydiver Preparing for Record Jump from Stratosphere

Later this year, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner will attempt to break the record for highest skydive in history by jumping from 120,000 ft (36.5 km). A helium balloon will lift him in a pressurized capsule to the desired altitude, and a special suit that maintains the proper air pressure, provides him with oxygen, and keeps him warm will protect him from the elements once he exits the capsule. During his nearly 23-mile descent, Baumgartner is expected to break the sound barrier. The current record of 102,800 ft (31 km) was set in 1960 by Joe Kittinger, one of Baumgartner's advisors on the project. More...