Red Bull Stratos – Felix Baumgartner Jumps From 71,580 Feet !

The Red Bull Stratos project took another huge step forward on March 15, 2012, as the team conducted their first manned test flight. Felix Baumgartner ascended in the capsule before jumping from an altitude of approximately 71,580 feet, returning safely to the ground near Roswell, New Mexico.

The goal of the Red Bull Stratos project is to see Baumgartner attempt a record-breaking freefall from 120,000 feet this summer, where he’ll potentially become the first man to break the speed of sound without the support of any type of vehicle. Many might recall the US Military’s famed Project Excelsior, where Joseph Kittinger jumped from 102,800 feet way back in 1960! Towing a small drogue parachute for initial stabilization, he fell for four minutes and 36 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 614 miles per hour (988 km/h). Many believe that if Felix Baumgartner jumps from 120,000 feet that he will break the speed of sound and multiple world records! You can see a video about the test jump below!