Red Bull Goes to Space: An Energy Drink’s Latest Extreme Sport
►http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/10/07/red-bull-goes-to-space.html
The Red Bull Stratos mission was delayed due to high winds. It’s scheduled to launch later this week, weather permitting.
On Oct. 8, seasoned skydiver and BASE jumper Felix Baumgartner is scheduled to perform an unprecedented feat of athleticism, science, and, possibly, stupidity. He’ll free-fall nearly 23 miles to earth—jumping from a pressurized capsule hoisted by the world’s largest helium balloon. If he jumps at an imprecise angle or any part of his gear malfunctions, he may die, as have two others who’ve tried a similar act. But if all goes as planned, he will pass the speed of sound (690 mph) within 40 seconds, smash four world records, and consecrate the most high-tech spacesuit ever created. All thanks to ... Red Bull.