Watch Felix break the speed of sound at 690 MPH / 1,110 KM/H

[Wolfe]

To my knowledge he is going to jump out of that thing and fall as quick as he could?

Dont get me wrong here, just a question.

Yes basicly the air is very very thin at that altitude, therefore allowing him to reach Mach 1 ( speed of sound) within 40 seconds of falling, if he manages to complete the jump, he will break the record of highest jump ever made, fastest freefall speed ever, also I believe the highest baloon ride ever ^^ not to mention being the first human being to break the speed of sound without being inside an airplane or vehicle, the experiment is also scientifically important, since it will show the effects of sonic acceleration and deceleration on the human body, aswell as helping the development of better suits as he is using, which is required due to the high pressure difference.

[Taylor_P]

What wolfe said however NASA is also backing this so that in future they can be a "bailout" and the effects it would have on astronauts, not to mention its another step in pushing mankind further into space.

[Devin]

As his terminal velocity decreases it could be interesting to see what happens when the sonic wave reaches him.  :redface:

[Wolfe]

Yes, and apparently two parts of the journey are the most dangerous, the first kilometer of climb, due to if something happen with the capsule, there is not enough time to open the chute properly, and obviously, the jump, if something happens once he is at the 120 thousand feet, he is able to ride the capsule back to the ground I believe.


They are planning the launch for Thursday, the weather today and the weekend is not good, and apparently they only have this last baloon, If something bad happens, there is a chance they'll only be able to do it next year.


Post Merge: October 11, 2012, 03:56:46 pmApparently the launch is scheduled for Sunday, that's when the weather seems to clear up I just noticed Joe Kittinger is also in it with the team, he's the holder for the record of highest jump to date. at about 102 thousand feet altitude.