Red Bull Stratos challenges human limits set more than 50 years ago.
"We may not have been built to fly, but we've figured out a way to fulfill our destiny."
Dr. Jonathan Clark, Medical Director
2012
- Third and final test jump Oct. 14 from an estimated 128,100 feet (39,045 meters) reaching a preliminary speed of 833 mph (1,342.8 km/h) (Mach 1.24) jumping from the stratosphere. This makes Felix Baumgartner the first man to break the speed of sound in freefall along with several other records yet to be certified.
- Second manned test achieved in July, the highest jump and fastest speed for Felix Baumgartner. Altitude: 97,063 feet / 29,584 meters and freefall speed: 536 miles or 864 kilometres per hour (latest figures sanctioned by USAP and NAA).
- First manned test complete in March: Felix freefalls successfully from 71,615 ft (21,828m)
- Unmanned test launches to the stratosphere confirm equipment is ready for manned test jumps.
- Launch site of Roswell, New Mexico, USA revealed.
2011
- Chamber tests are conducted at Brooks-City Base in San Antonio, Texas. Capsule is "man-rated" (confirmed appropriate for human transport) to 121,000 feet.
- Felix Baumgartner intensifies physical, psychological and technical training under direction of Dr. Andy Walshe.
- After several months' downtime, mission team reassesses condition of equipment and analyzes test procedures necessary to verify flight readiness.
2010
- Felix obtains his U.S. gas balloon license.
- Wind tunnel testing/training conducted in pressure suit.
2009
- Felix Baumgartner conducts first high-altitude training in pressure suit, including several parachute jumps from aircraft at 27,000 feet.
- Medical team expands to include six-time Space Shuttle crew surgeon Jon Clark as medical director; development of safety protocols continues.
- Personal parachute system development begins.
- High-altitude helium balloons are secured.
2008
- National Aviation Hall of Fame member and current record holder Col. Joe Kittinger joins Red Bull Stratos team, meets Felix Baumgartner for first time.
- David Clark Company agrees for the first time ever to produce a suit for a non-governmental space program.
2007
- Under the technical direction of Art Thompson, planning and team recruitment begins.
- Capsule development begins at Sage Cheshire Aerospace in Lancaster, California.
2005
- Felix Baumgartner and Red Bull begin to lay the groundwork for a stratospheric freefall that would expand the boundaries of human flight.
Mission History
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