Growing Bolder Insider Vol. 154

Posted August 9, 2010, 11:21 am


On August 16, 1960, over the New Mexico desert, a young Air Force captain ascended to 102,800 feet -- just beyond the edge of space -- in a helium balloon. What he did next set records that still stand today.

Capt. Joe Kittinger stepped outside his balloon's gondola and started a four-and-a-half minute freefall, during which his body would exceed a speed of 600 mph -- becoming the first person to approach the sound barrier without a vehicle. When he safely reached the ground 14 minutes later, he had set at least four records: highest balloon ascent, highest parachute jump, longest fall, and fastest speed by a human being through the atmosphere.

This weekend, some of the world's top skydivers will gather in DeLand, Florida, to commemorate Kittinger's jump and his contributions to the sport of skydiving. The National Skydiving Museum Weekend Honoring Joe Kittinger will also feature several activities to benefit the Boy Scouts of America, one of Kittinger's favorite causes.

One of the weekend's highlights will be Jumping for Joe, a 50-way formation, organized by B.J. Worth, chairman of the board of the United States Parachute Association and a stuntman in several James Bond movies. For this jump, 50 of the most experienced and well-known skydivers will take to the skies on Sunday to honor Kittinger's 50-year record.

For more information on the event, click here.

Below, see videos documenting Kittinger's incredible journey -- and see how he's connecting with new fans (both young and old!) all over the world, through the power of cyberspace.


© 2006-2012. Growing Bolder Media Group. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.