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Felix Baumgartner, born on 20 April 1969, is an Austrian skydiver, daredevil, and BASE jumper. He gained worldwide fame for his historic jump to Earth from a helium balloon in the stratosphere on 14 October 2012, landing in New Mexico, United States, as part of the Red Bull Stratos project. During this feat, Baumgartner achieved several world records, including skydiving from an estimated altitude of 39 km (24 mi) and reaching a top speed of approximately 1,357.64 km/h (843.6 mph), breaking the sound barrier relative to the Earth's surface without any vehicular assistance on his descent. He became the first person to accomplish this remarkable feat.

Baumgartner's jump also set records for exit altitude, vertical freefall distance without using a drogue parachute, and vertical speed without a drogue. While he still holds the latter two records, the record for exit altitude was surpassed in 2014 by Alan Eustace's jump from 135,890 feet (41.42 km; 25.74 mi) using a drogue.

Before his skydiving career, Baumgartner served in the Austrian military where he specialized in parachute jumping, including rigorous training for precision landings on small target zones. His daring stunts have underscored his reputation as one of the world's foremost extreme athletes.

Baumgartner grew up in Salzburg, Austria, with a fascination for the sky and aviation from an early age. His interest in parachuting and skydiving began in his teenage years, inspired by his father, who worked as a flight instructor. Despite facing challenges in school due to dyslexia, Baumgartner found solace and purpose in the adrenaline-filled world of extreme sports.

After completing his compulsory education, Baumgartner trained as a car mechanic but soon pursued his true passion for skydiving. He underwent rigorous training and obtained his skydiving license, laying the foundation for his future career as an extreme athlete and adventurer.

Baumgartner's career took off in the 1990s when he began competing in skydiving championships and BASE jumping events across Europe. He gained a reputation for fearlessness and technical skill, setting several records in BASE jumping and skydiving disciplines. His partnership with Red Bull, beginning in the early 2000s, propelled him to new heights of fame and provided the platform for his most ambitious project yet: the Red Bull Stratos mission.

The Red Bull Stratos mission, conceived in collaboration with scientists, engineers, and aviation experts, aimed to break the record for the highest and fastest freefall jump. On October 14, 2012, Baumgartner ascended to the stratosphere in a helium balloon and jumped from an altitude of approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles). During the descent, he reached speeds exceeding 1,300 kilometers per hour (800 miles per hour), breaking the sound barrier and setting multiple records, including the highest manned balloon flight and the highest parachute jump.

Following the success of Red Bull Stratos, Baumgartner continued to be involved in aviation and extreme sports. He participated in various expeditions and projects, focusing on innovation and safety in parachuting and human flight. His contributions to the field of aerospace and extreme sports have been widely recognized, earning him accolades and admiration from enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Felix Baumgartner's legacy is defined by his pioneering spirit and the groundbreaking achievements he made in skydiving and aerial exploration. His record-breaking jump during the Red Bull Stratos mission remains a symbol of human courage, scientific advancement, and the pursuit of excellence in extreme sports. Baumgartner's accomplishments have inspired a new generation of adventurers and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in human flight.

Looking to the future, Baumgartner continues to be involved in various projects related to aviation and extreme sports. He remains an ambassador for innovation and safety in parachuting and has expressed interest in mentoring young athletes and explorers. His impact on the aerospace industry and popular culture is enduring, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in the history of extreme sports.

1. Abrams, Michael (2006). Birdmen, Batmen, and Skyflyers: Wingsuits and the Pioneers Who Flew in Them, Fell in Them, and Perfected Them. New York City: Harmony Books. pp. 247–251. ISBN 978-1-4000-5491-6.
2. "Baumgartner's Records Ratified by FAI !" Record Archived 15 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, 14 October 2012. Accessed: 18 November 2013.
3. "Governing body 'FAI' officially confirms Stratos world records". Red Bull Stratos. Retrieved 10 May 2013. Maximum Vertical Speed (without drogue) 1,357.6 km/h (equivalent to 843.6 mph / Mach 1.25)
4. Paur, Jason (15 October 2013). "Red Bull Releases Incredible POV Video of 128,000-Foot Stratos Jump". Wired. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
5. The International Air Sports Federation (FAI). "Parachuting World Records". Archived from the original on 29 June 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2015.