Felix Baumgartner Threatens Joe Kittinger’s Spacedive Record

Pin It Now! For many people skydiving is considered the ultimate adrenaline rush. Jumping out of a plane at 14, 000 feet can feel mighty unnatural, but the sensation of freefalling towards the ground is known to be an exhilarating and amazing feeling. Well if 14, 000 feet isn’t high enough for you, how do you fancy freefalling from 120, 000 feet? One Austrian man is currently attempting just that.

The record for the highest skydive has been held by US Air Force Colonel Joe Kittinger, who jumped from a balloon at 102, 800 feet, but this is set to be beaten by Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian skydiver and BASE jumper who is known for some unique achievements including completing the highest parachute jump from a building and the lowest BASE jump.

Baumgartner plans to jump from the very edge of space, 26.7 km up, to complete the highest freefall jump and the first man to break the sound barrier unaided by machines. If successful, it will be the longest and fastest free-fall in history.

Skydiver, BASE jumper and spacediver Felix Baumgartner Due to the extreme height of the jump, there are a few additional considerations. Felix will don a pressurised suit for the jump, similar to those worn by NASA astronauts but even tougher and more mobile. The suit is important, as if its integrity is compromised his body tissue could swell up do to the air pressure, and the moisture in his face could boil. The suit also protects Baumgartner from temperatures as low as -70c.

The record holder, Joe Kittinger is an advisor for the project, and they have already completed a preparatory jump in Mexico, jumping from a balloon at a height of 71, 500 feet or 22km. Eight minutes after jumping, Baumgartner landed safely on the ground.

The Austrian has NASA to thank for making the jump possible – they spent time in the 1960s researching the possibility of an orbital escape system for astronauts. Space parachutes were developed including personal rockets and inflatable cones to protect astronauts against re-entry to the earth’s atmosphere. Without these technological developments it would be unlikely that Felix would be able to attempt the spacedive.

Retired US Air Force Colonel Joe Kittinger As Felix will be the first man to reach supersonic speeds unaided, it’s impossible to know what it will feel like, and there’s no way of accurately simulating the experience beforehand for preparation. Skydives around the world are following Baumgartner’s progress, aided by a team of scientists who can help plan the jump.

While Felix and his team of experts might be confident, he revealed that his mother is still scared and concerned about his safety, despite the fact that he has been skydiving since the tender age of sixteen. The spacedive is expected to take place later this year.

Author Bio:Alan Cairns writes on a number of subjects including tandem skydive essex and extreme sports.

Felix Baumgartner Threatens Joe Kittinger’s Spacedive Record

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Roberto Di Matteo Gets Chelsea Manager Job

Pin It Now! Coach Roberto Di Matteo has finally been confirmed as the manager of Chelsea FC of England after three weeks of disagreement between him and Roman Abrahamovich over what number of years he should get as manager.

Initial rumours had it that Roman Abrahamovich was tactically waiting for Josep Guadiola to come out of his temporary retirement to be given the Chelsea job hence he tried to offer Di Matteo a one year contract which the latter vehemently refused, demanding two years contract or nothing.

Di Matteo had this to say after his confirmation as the manager today, "I'm obviously delighted to have been appointed as manager and first-team coach".
"We all achieved incredible success last season that made history for this great club.
"Our aim is to continue building on that and I'm already planning and looking forward to the squad's return for pre-season."

The Italian did remarkably during his 11 months as a temporary manager for the club, helping the struggling team to a season’s double (English FA Cup and UEFA Champions’ League title).

Many of his critics believed he didn’t merit the position of a permanent manager and that he had won his silverwares by luck. They felt he had not convinced them enough he could handle the club and steer them to convincing victories both in the EPL and in Europe.

Di Matteo took over from Andrea Villas Boas when the entire team was in shambles and things seemed to have fallen apart. But somehow, he was able to motivate the aging players to put in their best thereby brushing aside the likes of Napoli, Benfica, FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich to lift the UEFA trophy against all predictions.

Having been confirmed as the team’s manager, it’s time for him to settle down to business, avoid all distractions, carry out an overhaul of the team and get new young, but talented players to complement the ones that would be left behind.

Good enough he has started shopping for quality players to strengthen the team. Having signed Eden hazard and Marko Marin, the Blues are looking forward to adding more legs to boost the squad and at least improve their attacking pattern instead of trying to play the unattractive defensive style adopted toward the end of the Champions’ league.

Di Matteo is expected to do better this time around. What do you think? Do you believe he will perform better than his previous season, or do you think he would still continue with his defensive pattern? Do you also believe Chelsea can beat Man City and the rest to the League title this season? Tell us what you think.

Roberto Di Matteo Gets Chelsea Manager Job

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