Author Topic: Lunatic nutjob to break sound barrier jumping from balloon at the edge of space (Read 26592 times)

Andrij · « **Reply #50 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:32:03 pm »

Felix reports his face heater isn't working. Sound has now been cut.

Jurek · « **Reply #51 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:32:45 pm »

I'm watching two different feeds and have lost sound on both, since the moment Felix said he cannot feel the heating 'on'.

Edit:Audio restored.

Jurek · « **Reply #52 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:34:42 pm »

where are the outside distance shots coming from?
Is there a chasing balloon with cameras?

Kim · « **Reply #53 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:39:17 pm »

Quote from: Jurek on 14 October, 2012, 05:34:42 pm

where are the outside distance shots coming from?
Is there a chasing balloon with cameras?

They showed it earlier. Two NASA trucks parked downrange with enormous stabilised uber-zoom tracking cameras.

Jurek · « **Reply #54 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:41:37 pm »

No way!

At that distance?

Sergeant Pluck · « **Reply #55 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:41:54 pm »

On the stream that I'm watching (bostinnno.com), it showed a brief shot of his mum, who is clearly finding it all very entertaining! I suppose this is only slightly more mad than the stuff he usually gets up to.

Jurek · « **Reply #56 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:46:57 pm »

I love this stuff.

Puts a risk assessment for a game of conkers in the playground into perspective.

Gus · « **Reply #57 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:50:04 pm »

Must be a sure Darwin awards winner or at least honourable mentionings if he survive the jump.

Sergeant Pluck · « **Reply #58 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:50:59 pm »

It's interesting that they are happy to transmit this live, whereas AFAIR a recent wire-walk across the Niagara Falls could only be transmitted live if a safety cable was deployed. Ain't no safety net here.

Ewan Houzami · « **Reply #59 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:51:16 pm »

Just tuned in. Is that white-haired guy driving the desk at mission control Kittinger, or some regular NASA bod?

Kim · « **Reply #60 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:51:55 pm »

Quote from: Jurek on 14 October, 2012, 05:41:37 pm

No way!
At that distance?

http://www.redbullstratos.com/technology/cameras-communications/

Jurek · « **Reply #61 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:53:42 pm »

Quote from: Goldilocks on 14 October, 2012, 05:51:16 pm

Just tuned in. Is that white-haired guy driving the desk at mission control Kittinger, or some regular NASA bod?

It's Kittinger. He has jump form.

Jurek · « **Reply #62 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:54:38 pm »

Quote from: Kim on 14 October, 2012, 05:51:55 pm

Quote from: Jurek on 14 October, 2012, 05:41:37 pm
No way!
At that distance?

http://www.redbullstratos.com/technology/cameras-communications/

I believe you.
I am just astonished.

andyoxon · « **Reply #63 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:57:16 pm »

Just over 15 mls up now...

Sergeant Pluck · « **Reply #64 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:57:21 pm »

Um, at what height is he going to jump?

Arch · « **Reply #65 on:** 14 October, 2012, 05:58:25 pm »

Does the capsule itself have a 'chute, in case for some reason he couldn't get out?

Andrij · « **Reply #66 on:** 14 October, 2012, 06:00:12 pm »

Jumping from 23mi. up.

Rhys W · « **Reply #67 on:** 14 October, 2012, 06:08:04 pm »

Quote from: Arch on 14 October, 2012, 05:58:25 pm

Does the capsule itself have a 'chute, in case for some reason he couldn't get out?

From what I heard on BBC News 24, it does, although he needed to get above a certain height before it can be deployed. The first km or two was the most dangerous.

Kim · « **Reply #68 on:** 14 October, 2012, 06:11:06 pm »

Quote from: Arch on 14 October, 2012, 05:58:25 pm

Does the capsule itself have a 'chute, in case for some reason he couldn't get out?

Dunno about whether it's a manned bail-out option, but there's lots of video being recorded that they'll want to recover, so yes. It's the red and white bit in line between the capsule and the balloon.

marcusjb · « **Reply #69 on:** 14 October, 2012, 06:12:56 pm »

Quote from: Sergeant Pluck on 14 October, 2012, 05:50:59 pm

It's interesting that they are happy to transmit this live, whereas AFAIR a recent wire-walk across the Niagara Falls could only be transmitted live if a safety cable was deployed. Ain't no safety net here.

I believe they have added 30 seconds of delay on the transmission to hopefully avoid the possibilities of someone's demise being broadcast.

Truly amazing stuff and, not to detract from his bravery, the thought of doing this 50 years ago is even more terrifying!

Really gripping though. Brave, brave chap.

Andrij · « **Reply #70 on:** 14 October, 2012, 06:13:15 pm »

Both BBC and National Geographic documentaries coming up in a month or so.

Auntie Helen · « **Reply #71 on:** 14 October, 2012, 06:15:32 pm »

I'm watching this on the web in the chilly office - is it on Freeview at all in the warm lounge, do you know?

Jurek · « **Reply #72 on:** 14 October, 2012, 06:17:28 pm »

Quote from: Auntie Helen on 14 October, 2012, 06:15:32 pm

I'm watching this on the web in the chilly office - is it on Freeview at all in the warm lounge, do you know?

Just think of the ambient temp where Felix is

clifftaylor · « **Reply #73 on:** 14 October, 2012, 06:18:35 pm »

That's one crazy motherfucker right there.

Edit: Not you Auntie H.

andyoxon · « **Reply #74 on:** 14 October, 2012, 06:22:50 pm »

Interesting that at 80000ft it was -50 outside, but now at 105000 its warmed to -23C?