Felix Baumgartner will attempt his supersonic space jump today, the jump takes place at 12.30 PM GMT (1.30 PM BST) or 5.30AM PST, and the jump will be broadcast live on YouTube and is a joint effort with Red Bull Stratos.
Felix will start off with a balloon flight which will take him to 120,000 feet and then make a free fall jump back to earth. He is expected to travel at around 690 miles per hour or 1,110 kilometers per hour.
The flight in the balloon is expected to take around three hours to reach the 120,000 feet, he will then make the jump at around 2pm GMT (3pm BST), you can watch the jump live at the live stream below or on YouTube.
Source Red Bull Stratos/YouTube
The Preparation and Challenges
Felix Baumgartner’s jump is not just a simple leap from a high altitude; it is a meticulously planned and highly challenging endeavor. The preparation for this jump has taken years, involving a team of experts in various fields including aerospace engineering, medicine, and meteorology. The balloon that will carry Felix to the edge of space is a specially designed helium balloon, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the stratosphere. The suit Felix will wear is also a marvel of engineering, designed to protect him from the extreme cold and lack of oxygen at high altitudes.
One of the significant challenges Felix will face is the transition from subsonic to supersonic speeds. As he accelerates through the sound barrier, he will experience a range of physical stresses, including a rapid increase in temperature and pressure. The suit and the capsule have been rigorously tested to ensure they can handle these conditions, but the human body is not naturally equipped to deal with such extremes. Felix has undergone extensive training to prepare for these challenges, including high-altitude jumps and simulations.
The Historical Significance
This jump is not just a stunt; it has significant scientific and historical implications. If successful, Felix Baumgartner will become the first human to break the sound barrier without the aid of a vehicle. This achievement will provide valuable data for scientists and engineers, particularly in the fields of aerospace and human physiology. The data collected from this jump will help improve the safety and design of future space missions, potentially paving the way for new advancements in space travel.
Moreover, this jump will also serve as an inspiration for future generations of explorers and adventurers. It demonstrates the incredible potential of human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration. Felix Baumgartner’s jump is a testament to what can be achieved when we push the boundaries of what is possible.
In addition to the scientific and historical significance, the jump is also a remarkable feat of human courage and determination. Felix Baumgartner has dedicated years of his life to preparing for this moment, facing numerous risks and challenges along the way. His determination and bravery serve as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for perseverance and achievement.
As we watch Felix Baumgartner make his historic jump, we are witnessing not just a moment of personal triumph, but a milestone in the history of human exploration. This event will be remembered for years to come, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars and beyond.
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