Watch Daredevil Dive From the Edge of Space

 By 
Eric Larson
 on 
Watch Daredevil Dive From the Edge of Space

[brightcove video="1882448311001" /]

Austrian skydiver and BASE jumper Felix Baumgartner, 43, will attempt to break the world record on Tuesday for highest altitude human free fall when he dives from 22 miles high -- close to the edge of the Earth's stratosphere.

The jump, part of the Red Bull Stratos mission, will be broadcast live from the website, as well as a handful of mainstream media outlets.

Baumgartner's suit and support crew will be equipped with more than 30 cameras -- including one on each of Baumgartner's knees -- to track every step of his jump. The entire feat, from the launch to the landing, will be documented in real time. The jump is estimated to last about 10 minutes, during which Baumgartner will break the sound barrier.

In 1960, U.S. Air Force Captain Joseph Kittinger completed a similar leap from 102,800 feet. Baumgartner's jump, if successful, will break Kittinger's record by about two miles. In addition to the record for highest free fall, he will also break the record for longest free fall and highest balloon flight.

The jump was originally scheduled for Monday, but was pushed back to Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. ET due to high winds.

Will you be watching? Let us know below.

Mashable Image
Credit:

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!