What makes a jump from almost 128,000 feet (~39km) different than jumping from an airplane?
Jumping from almost 128,000 feet, as done by Felix Baumgartner during his famous Red Bull Stratos jump, is significantly different from jumping from an airplane for several reasons:
1. Altitude: At an altitude of almost 128,000 feet, Baumgartner was at the edge of space, significantly higher than the altitude at which most skydiving or BASE jumping takes place. This extreme altitude exposes the jumper to extremely low air pressure, temperatures, and oxygen levels, making the jump much more challenging and potentially dangerous.
2. Freefall Duration: Due to the high altitude, Baumgartner experienced an extended freefall time of over 4 minutes, reaching speeds of over 800 miles per hour. This is much longer and faster than a typical skydiving jump, where freefall lasts only a minute or so at speeds around 120 mph.
3. Re-entry Speeds: When Baumgartner re-entered the Earth's atmosphere, he experienced speeds approaching the speed of sound. These high re-entry speeds are not typically encountered in regular skydiving jumps and can present additional challenges and risks for the jumper.
4. Equipment: Specialized equipment, such as a pressure suit and helmet, were necessary for Baumgartner's high-altitude jump to protect him from the extreme conditions at such high altitudes. This equipment is not typically used for regular skydiving jumps.
Overall, jumping from almost 128,000 feet is a unique and extreme experience that differs significantly from jumping from an airplane at lower altitudes. It requires specialized training, equipment, and preparation to ensure the safety and success of the jump.