If you didn’t get a chance to see it, Red Bull recently revealed their newest feat, a “Mission to the Edge of Space.” Pilot Felix Baumgartner will attempt to become the first person ever to break the speed of sound with his own body. The plan is to ascend in a capsule lifted by a helium balloon to the upper reaches of the stratosphere (at least 120,000 feet) and, protected by a full-pressure “space suit,” launch a freefall jump that could exceed 690 miles per hour. If successful, the Red Bull Stratos mission hopes to establish four world records. It also creates promises for new standards in aerospace safety and enhanced possibilities for human flight.
The project has been in the works for 3 years and there are throngs of people involved in its realization. A good friend to Team Chambliss, Red Bull Air Force member, Luke Siele is just one of many people working on development of the highly advanced, full-pressured “space suit” Felix will wear. He recently contacted Kirby to speak on his expertise of ‘G-tolerance’ from years of aerobatic flying and provide information to help in the projects development.
“Having been a sky diver myself it’s hard to imagine the type of experience Felix will have as he attempts this record breaking jump. It’s amazing to see how much technology and work has gone into the project. I have been exposed to G-forces for many, many years and was glad to have shared some expertise if it in the end helps Felix and his endeavor. We wish him the best and will be waiting anxiously to see how it all unfolds,” Kirby said.
