JensenS

While bs'ing around tonight trying to avoid writing a paper, I found this AWESOME video about Col. Joe Kittinger's 1960 102,800 ft jump. Absolutely amazing, I can't even begin to imagine the thoughts going through his head on the way up, and then just the concept of four and a half minutes of free fall just makes my head spin

Video

http://www.glumbert.com/media/spacedive

Some background

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Excelsior

The Big Stiffy

Not only was there the 4.5 minute freefall...but probably the longest hour and a half ever to get up to 102,800 ft. That's amazing. I'm glad you shared that.

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sgallan

Wasn't he falling at a speed of 700 mph for awhile? That is REALLY fast. My dad introduced me to the story, and that guy when I was young.

FWIW, he had no sense of falling until he hit the clouds. When skydiving you don't usually feel like you are falling either. If anything it is blowing so hard it almost feels like you are getting pushed up. It isn't until you get below 1000 feet that you notice you are falling. That's because at that point it starts to look as though the ground is rushing up at you. Which also means you better get a chute out in a hurry or you are going to die.

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bluestater

Apparently, a few years ago I promised that I would take my niece skydiving for her high school graduation. She's a senior this year. I don't recall making this promise, but I can't say no to the girl, so I have a feeling that I will be jumping out of a plane this coming summer.

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JensenS

714 mph, per the article.

ISU2008

There was some crazy shite going on in the 50s-60s in the military aerospace sector. I won't say this is the most amazing thing I've read, but let's just say I wouldn't mind trading places with Mr. Kittinger

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