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Felix Baumgartner’s Iconic Jump into History

When Joe Kittinger made his historic jump from a US Air Force high-altitude balloon in 1960, a camera attached to the capsule’s platform photographed an iconic scene: Kittinger, inside a pressure suit, taking a leap into the void.

In this spectacular photograph released by Red Bull, Baumgartner can be seen taking that leap from the Stratos capsule in a scene reminiscent of Kittinger’s 1960’s plunge. At this heart stopping moment, millions of people were on the edge of their seats hoping Baumgartner survives the fall. Sure enough, less than 5 minutes later, after breaking the speed of sound and smashing the high-altitude skydive record, Baumgartner made a picture perfect parachute landing in the New Mexico desert.

Whatever Baumgartner’s motivations, drive or passion, for just a few minutes on Sunday morning, millions of people forgot their routine and ignored the chaos of the world to watch one man make history.

the world is awesome…

9:50 am  •  16 October 2012  •  807 notes