Skydiver preparing for 120,000-foot supersonic fall

CNN ^ | May 21, 2010 | Dugald McConnell and Brian Todd

[Malone LaVeigh]

An Austrian daredevil is planning to become the first person to break the sound barrier in a free fall, without riding in a vehicle.

This summer in New Mexico, Felix Baumgartner hopes to make the highest, longest and fastest fall ever.

[Malone LaVeigh]

"This is what we want to find out: What happens to the human body when it breaks the speed of sound," Baumgartner said. "That's a big question mark."

As I was told a long time ago, the only thing that falls out of the sky is bird$hit and idiots!

[mlocher]

"This is what we want to find out: What happens to the human body when it breaks the speed of sound," Baumgartner said.

Would the person hear his own scream should the parachute not open?

[phatus maximus]

“This is what we want to find out: What happens to the human body when it breaks the speed of sound,” Baumgartner said.

I’m gonna say no to your question about the scream and think bug splatter on a hot July evening in terms of the question above...

[SpaceBar]

Felix Baumgartner hopes to make the highest, longest and fastest fall ever...

or a human meteorite, depending on the outcome.

[Interesting Times]

"This is what we want to find out: What happens to the human body when it breaks the speed of sound," Baumgartner said. "That's a big question mark."

You're a bit late to the party, son.

[mlocher]

I’m gonna say no to your question about the scream and think bug splatter on a hot July evening in terms of the question above...

LOL!-- Falling is fine, it's the landing that's a b!tch!

[rdl6989]

Bill Gates couldn’t pay me enough to try this.

[HerrBlucher]

The Bell broke the sound barrier in Yeagers case, Baumgartner is going to use his body. Could be interesting, but completely useless otherwise.

[irishtenor]

In Space no one can hear you fart. At the speed of sound, no one can smell it, either.

[buccaneer81]

General Yeager did it within the confines of the aircraft. I wonder if Felix will return with all limbs attached.

[unkus]

Look out for those 747’s.

[Boiling point]

Joe Kittenger already did it in 1960 from 102,000 feet;

[Redcitizen]

Thats what I call a fall guy.

[WOBBLY BOB]

[irishjuggler]

My palms started sweating just reading this article...

[cripplecreek]

614 mph was close enough for Joe Kittinger. He also did 11 months as a POW in Vietnam.

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

[AK_47_7.62x39]

I love this! I wish I had the money to do it myself! I have never understood those who just want “safety” all the fun is found “out there.” At least that is my experience.

[stayathomemom]

"This is what we want to find out: What happens to the human body when it breaks the speed of sound," Baumgartner said. "That's a big question mark."

I bet it is more like a big asterisk.

[FredZarguna]

I don’t believe he broke the sound barrier, and I’m skeptical this guy will either. He’s jumping from three miles higher up, but I think Kittenger’s jump established that terminal velocity in that part of the “atmosphere” is well below the speed of sound. We’ll see.

[vwbug]

If you break wind at the same time you break the sound barrier, do you hear it? It’s another tree in the forest question.