Tyler Wynn
On 14 October 2012, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner became the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall. Baumgartner reached a maximum velocity of 833.9 mph (1,342 km/h) during his jump from a height of 38,969.4 metres. The speed of sound is dependent on temperature and altitude; at sea level, it is 761 mph, while at 60,000 feet, it is approximately 660 mph. Baumgartner's feat was the culmination of a $20 million project by Red Bull Stratos, which provided valuable insights into the development of high-performance, high-altitude parachute systems and emergency evacuation procedures for spacecraft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Skydiver | Felix Baumgartner |
| Date | 14 October 2012 |
| Height Jumped From | 38,969.4 metres |
| Maximum Velocity Reached | 833.9 mph (1,342 km/h) |
| Time Taken to Reach the Ground | 9 minutes and 9 seconds |
| Other Hazards Faced | Temperatures well below freezing, too little oxygen to breathe, the tendency to spin uncontrollably, and low air pressure |
| Protection Used | A next-generation, full-pressure suit and helmet |
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What You'll Learn
Felix Baumgartner: First Person to Break the Sound Barrier in Freefall
On 14 October 2012, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner became the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall. He completed a parachute jump from a height of 38,969.4 metres, breaking eight world records in three hours. Baumgartner's jump was part of the $20-million Red Bull Stratos project, which aimed to advance knowledge about how the human body copes with extreme conditions near space.
Born in 1969, Baumgartner completed his first skydive at the age of 16 and soon became hooked on extreme parachuting and BASE jumping. He joined the Austrian military, where he perfected his parachute jumping skills, and later approached the energy drink company Red Bull to sponsor him for a BASE jump from the 860-ft New River George Bridge in West Virginia, USA.
In the years leading up to the record-breaking jump, Baumgartner sought to break Joseph Kittinger's 52-year-old record for the highest freefall parachute jump. Kittinger, who set his record in 1960 by leaping from a helium envelope, became an integral part of Baumgartner's team, providing advice and encouragement.
The Red Bull Stratos project involved a two-hour journey into the stratosphere in a helium-filled balloon. Baumgartner's descent from the stratosphere was not without challenges. Early in the dive, it was discovered that a heater for his visor was not working, causing it to fog up. Despite this issue, Baumgartner was able to use his experience from more than 2,500 career dives to correct his fall and get into a stable configuration.
Baumgartner's record-breaking jump not only pushed the boundaries of human achievement but also provided invaluable scientific data. The lessons learned from the project have informed the development of high-performance, high-altitude parachute systems and new ideas for emergency evacuation from vehicles passing through the stratosphere.
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The Speed of Sound
On 14 October 2012, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner became the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall. He completed a parachute jump from a height of 38,969.4 metres, breaking eight world records in three hours. Baumgartner reached a maximum velocity of 833.9 mph (1,342 km/h), surpassing the speed of sound, also known as Mach 1.
Breaking the sound barrier involves an object surpassing the speed of sound, reaching speeds greater than the rate at which sound waves are produced in the air. While there is no physical barrier, the term "sound barrier" stems from the mid-20th century when early high-speed aircraft experienced instability and even broke up as they approached the speed of sound. This instability is caused by shock waves in the "transonic" zone, the range of speeds near the speed of sound. Once an object passes through this zone and surpasses the speed of sound, it achieves smooth flight.
To break the sound barrier, Baumgartner faced several challenges and hazards. He encountered freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels, and air pressure so low that blood was said to "boil" with vapour bubbles. Baumgartner also experienced uncontrolled spinning during his descent. To overcome these obstacles, he underwent intensive training, including a test program with jumps from progressively higher altitudes. He also utilised a choreographed step-off from his capsule to achieve a streamlined position. Additionally, he wore a specialised full-pressure suit and helmet to provide oxygen, protection, and pressurisation.
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Hazards Faced During the Jump
Skydiving is an extreme sport with inherent risks. While technological advancements, rigorous training, and strict safety protocols have significantly reduced the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or fatalities, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards before taking the leap. Here are some of the hazards faced during a skydive:
Parachute Malfunctions: One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of a parachute malfunction. While equipment problems directly causing fatalities are rare, issues with the main canopy can occur, and it is crucial to have a properly functioning reserve parachute. Tandem skydiving rigs are equipped with Reserve Static Lines (RSLs) and Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) to enhance safety. RSLs act as a tripwire during a main parachute cutaway, deploying the backup reserve canopy. AADs are small computers that calculate a skydiver's height and falling speed, aiding in parachute deployment.
Hard Landings and Injuries: Landing can be a hazardous aspect of skydiving, with the potential for hard landings or injuries such as twisted ankles or broken bones. It is important to choose a canopy size and model appropriate to your skill level and experience to minimize these risks. Additionally, maintaining a good physical condition and being aware of your limitations can help reduce the chances of injuries during landing.
Mid-Air Collisions: Colliding with other skydivers or objects during the jump is a concern. Maintaining safe distances and being aware of one's surroundings are crucial to avoid such incidents.
Unfavorable Weather Conditions: Unfriendly weather, including strong winds, thermals, turbulence, or variable winds, can pose significant dangers. These conditions can collapse the canopy, leading to potential fatalities. It is essential to stay informed about weather conditions and make informed decisions based on this information.
Medical Concerns: Skydiving can aggravate existing medical issues. Individuals with heart disease, obesity, or bone problems should carefully consider the risks and consult specialists before participating.
It is important to recognize these hazards and take appropriate action to minimize risks. While skydiving is thrilling, it requires a commitment to safety through education, gear checks, maintenance, and adhering to safety protocols.
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The Science Behind Breaking the Sound Barrier
On 14 October 2012, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner became the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall. Baumgartner's jump was the culmination of five years of planning and a $20 million investment by Red Bull Stratos. The stunt provided invaluable data for the development of high-performance, high-altitude parachute systems and emergency evacuation procedures for vehicles passing through the stratosphere.
So, what does it mean to "break the sound barrier"? This phrase refers to surpassing the speed at which sound waves are produced in the air. The speed of sound is dependent on temperature; in colder temperatures, sound travels more slowly. At sea level, the speed of sound is 761 mph, but at 60,000 feet, it is only 660 mph.
To break the sound barrier, Baumgartner jumped from a height of 38,969.4 meters (approximately 39 km), starting 99,000 ft higher than Mount Everest. He reached a maximum velocity of 833.9 mph (1,342 km/h) or 843.6 mph (1,357.6 km/h) according to another source, exceeding the speed of sound at that altitude.
Baumgartner faced several challenges during his descent, including temperatures well below freezing, insufficient oxygen, and air pressure low enough to cause blood to boil. To protect himself, he wore a specialised full-pressure suit and helmet, which provided oxygen, protection, and pressurisation. He also utilised a drogue parachute for stabilisation. Despite these precautions, Baumgartner experienced a power supply issue with his visor and began to spin uncontrollably before eventually stabilising himself.
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The Future of Parachuting
Skydiving is a recreational activity, a competitive sport, and is also used by militaries for the deployment of forces and supplies. It is considered an extreme sport due to the risks involved. The first successful parachute jump in history was made on 22 October 1797 by Frenchman André-Jacques Garnerin above Parc Monceau, Paris. Since then, advancements in parachute technology have made the sport safer and more accessible.
The integration of wearable technology with parachuting gear is expected to enhance safety and performance monitoring. Wearable devices could track physiological data such as heart rate and oxygen levels, alerting skydivers to potential health issues. Augmented reality (AR) headsets could also provide navigational assistance and real-time information about weather and wind conditions.
Virtual reality (VR) and AR technologies are also expected to revolutionize skydiving training, offering more immersive and comprehensive preparation for jumps. These simulators could replicate various skydiving scenarios and conditions, allowing skydivers to practice responses to potential emergencies without the risks associated with actual jumps.
Additionally, advancements in sensor technology and artificial intelligence could lead to the development of smart parachutes, offering enhanced monitoring and control capabilities. These innovations will further push the boundaries of skydiving, building upon the legacy of innovation and courage within the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner was the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall.
Felix Baumgartner reached a maximum velocity of 833.9 mph (1,342 km/h).
Felix Baumgartner jumped from a height of 38,969.4 metres (127,852 ft).
The speed of sound is 768 mph (1,236 km/h) at sea level, but it varies depending on temperature and altitude.
Felix Baumgartner faced many hazards during his jump, including temperatures well below freezing, too little oxygen, the tendency to spin uncontrollably, and air pressure so low that blood would "boil".
