Skydiving is an extreme sport that challenges human limits and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in freefall. Among the many records in skydiving, the highest skydive ever recorded stands out as a remarkable feat of courage, technology, and human endurance. This article explores the history and details of the highest skydive ever made, explaining the key jumps that set and broke records, and highlighting the incredible achievements of the skydivers involved.
The Origins of High-Altitude Skydiving
Skydiving from extreme altitudes began as a way to test human survival and equipment in the upper atmosphere. The first notable high-altitude skydive was made by Colonel Joseph Kittinger in 1959 and 1960. He jumped from a helium balloon at 74,700 feet (22.8 km) and later set a record by jumping from 102,800 feet (31.3 km) during Project Excelsior. These jumps tested the effects of high-altitude ejection and set the stage for future record-breaking skydives.
Felix Baumgartner and the Red Bull Stratos Project
One of the most famous high-altitude skydives was made by Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian skydiver and BASE jumper. In 2012, Baumgartner participated in the Red Bull Stratos project, aiming to break the record for the highest skydive. He ascended to 127,852 feet (38,969 meters) using a helium balloon and jumped from the edge of space over New Mexico.
Baumgartner’s jump was historic for several reasons:
He broke the sound barrier during freefall, reaching speeds of 833 mph (1,342.8 kph), or Mach 1.24, becoming the first person to do so without vehicular power.
His freefall lasted about 4 minutes and 20 seconds before deploying his parachute.
The jump was watched live by millions worldwide and set multiple records, including the highest manned balloon flight and highest-altitude jump at the time.
Despite these achievements, Baumgartner’s record was not the highest ever for long.
Alan Eustace: The Current Highest Skydive Record Holder
In 2014, Alan Eustace, a senior vice president at Google and an experienced computer scientist, surpassed Baumgartner’s record.
Eustace’s jump was meticulously planned with the help of experts, including Taber MacCallum, one of the founders of Biosphere 2.
Eustace launched from Roswell, New Mexico, on October 24, 2014.
Like Baumgartner, he used a helium balloon to reach the stratosphere, but unlike Baumgartner, he was suspended directly under the balloon rather than riding on a platform. Eustace jumped from an astonishing altitude of 135,889 feet (41.41 kilometers), making his the highest skydive ever recorded.
This jump exceeded Baumgartner’s altitude by nearly 8,000 feet (about 2.5 km) and remains the current world record for the highest freefall jump.
Technical Challenges and Achievements
High-altitude skydiving involves overcoming extreme conditions:
Atmospheric Pressure: At altitudes above 100,000 feet, the atmosphere is almost a vacuum, requiring pressurized suits and life support systems.
Temperature: Temperatures can drop to -70°C (-94°F) or lower, necessitating thermal protection.
Speed and Stability: Skydivers reach supersonic speeds, which can cause dangerous spins and loss of control. Both Baumgartner and Eustace had to manage these risks carefully.
Equipment: Special helium balloons are used to ascend to the stratosphere, and the skydivers wear custom pressure suits similar to those used by astronauts.
Historical Progression of Highest Skydives
Here is a brief timeline of significant high-altitude skydives:
1797: André-Jacques Garnerin made the first parachute jump from about 3,200 feet using a hydrogen balloon, marking the birth of skydiving.
1959-1960: Joseph Kittinger set records with jumps from 74,700 feet and then 102,800 feet as part of Project Excelsior.
2012: Felix Baumgartner jumped from 127,852 feet, breaking multiple records and becoming the first to break the sound barrier in freefall.
2014: Alan Eustace set the current highest skydive record from 135,889 feet, pushing the limits even further.
Conclusion
The highest skydive ever recorded is a testament to human ingenuity, bravery, and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. From the pioneering jumps of Joseph Kittinger to the groundbreaking feats of Felix Baumgartner and Alan Eustace, each record has expanded our understanding of human capabilities and the extreme environment of near space.
Alan Eustace’s jump from 135,889 feet remains the highest skydive in history, a record that may stand for years as technology and human courage continue to evolve in the thrilling world of extreme sports.
This journey through the highest skydives highlights not only the records but also the spirit of adventure and scientific exploration that drives skydivers to leap from the edge of space and return safely to Earth.