23 mile freefall jump

[naomi24]

Austrian Felix Baumgartner was due to do this soon, but now I read it’s cancelled. Does anyone know what’s happening – and if it goes ahead, is survival possible? I find it quite astonishing! Exciting - but astonishing! I really can't see how a man could survive this - but I could be wrong.

[HowardKennitby]

Has it been cancelled indefinitely? I know it had been postponed twice due to high winds on the site.

[MASS1961]

I read somewhere it was happening on Sunday, i'll check

[petal54]

weather conditions wrong ,but not heard anything,quite amazing if crazy

[MASS1961]

don't know whether this has changed?

http://www.huffington...e-blog_n_1958490.html

[EcclesCake]

As various organisations have invested a fair few quid/dollars into this research programme they are looking for a positive outcome but part of the risk register has acknowledged that that might not happen.

Irrespective of whether he survives they will have gained an incredible amount of data that can be analysed and will contribute towards further manned space programmes and their safety.

[Zacs-Master]

This is what happens when loonies become millionaires. Beware.

[ludwig]

I bet he stood on the platform, took a look down, and thought 'Nah..I don't fancy it'.

[naomi24]

Ludwig, he hasn't done it yet - but I wouldn't blame him for saying that when he gets there!

[MASS1961]

I'll cross this off my list of things to do when I win the lottery then Zacs! But then again i'm not a loony!

[Zacs-Master]

That's what you say mass. We know different. Wibble

[ludwig]

// I wouldn't blame him for saying that when he gets there! //

I bet he will. I did the same thing after climbing up to the highest diving board at the local baths. I had to take the walk of shame down the steps again to the little bendy board on the side.

We've all done it.

[naomi24]

Haaaaaaa! Wuss! :o)

[Zacs-Master]

The colour of fear is brown

[askyourgran]

I was looking forward to watching it. I'm glad it's not because he's chickened out, although it's a very brave thing to do. There must have been a lot of tests on his body suit and helmet and perhaps breathing equipment to ensure he can withstand the re-entry. Fingers crossed he makes it.

[HowardKennitby]

As someone who is very bad at heights the idea of it scares me.
As to survival I can't see that it is that much more risky than the original jump by Ted Kittinger.

[MASS1961]

Think he'll do it.

He's already done a little practice jump...

http://www.tumblr.com...ner?before=1333690166

this one is only 50,000 feet more!

[ludwig]

I think if you're that high up it's no longer like a height howard - you're actually looking down at the planet, so you lose the sense of being high - if that makes sense.

Now, if anyone saw that film 'Man on wire' last night about the crazy french bloke who walked a tightrope between the WTC twin towers - now that was some scary sh1t.

[237SJ]

He`ll do it. It`s not a big deal as long as his protective suit holds out. The question will be whether he breaks the sound barrier though. That`ll be down to factors beyond his control on the day.

[naomi24]

It looks pretty high to me. :o/

[Zacs-Master]

Naomi, he can probably see God from up there.