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Growing Bolder Insider Vol. 154
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.
Marking an Historic Leap of Faith
Most of the world still thinks Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space. But he wasn't. Joe Kittinger, an unknown Air Force captain, beat him by nearly a year, parachuting from a helium balloon from 102,800 -- just beyond the edge of space. It's a record that still stands.
Click here to watch the story.
Man on a Mission
Joe Kittinger has kept a secret for nearly two years but now it can be revealed. He has teamed up with the Red Bull Stratos Mission team to help Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner break his 50-year-old record. Joe explains why he's helping this team set new records.
Click here to watch the story.
The First Man in Space Embraces Cyberspace
Joe has a passion for teaching children and for sharing his passion in aviation, engineering, lifelong learning and the U.S.A. But getting his story out one speech at a time isn't practical. As they say, it doesn't scale. With our help, Colonel Kittinger is finding that live video chats can instantly take him into any classroom or newsroom in the world.
Click here to watch the story.
Did Joe Cover Up the Aliens in Roswell?
Is it science fiction? Or a national cover-up? In the late '40s, witnesses claimed they saw a "red-headed" Air Force captain dragging alien bodies out of the woods. Yes, there were bodies. But wait until you hear his story of what really happened there!
Click here to watch the story.
I Was a POW With McCain
In 1972, Joe Kittinger was shot down over Vietnam and imprisoned in the "Hanoi Hilton." John McCain was in the cell next to him. For the first time, Kittinger speaks out about their experiences and what he says is the true character of the former presidential candidate.
Click here to watch the story.
Making Aviation History ... Again
In 1984, at the age of 56, Joe Kittinger made aviation history again when he became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in a balloon. He describes his mission's goals and some of the bumps he experienced along the way, high above the world.
Click here to watch the story.
Riding High With the King of Pop
You'd think setting aviation records would be enough excitement for one lifetime. But not for Joe. For several years, he was the personal hot-air balloon pilot for the most famous man on the planet -- Michael Jackson. After Jackson's death, Joe shared personal stories of their flights together.
Click here to watch the story.
Behind the Stories With Joe
As you can tell, Joe is a fascinating man with a huge collection of stories to tell. Recently, he was a guest on the Growing Bolder Radio Show and spent some time going into greater depth about his historic feats and how he thinks his work could have saved the lives of the Challenger astronauts.
Click here to listen to GB Radio.
Skydivers Still Setting New Records
Joe did it for science but his parachuting adventures helped pave the way for one of the most popular extreme sports today -- skydiving. Only GB was there to document one of the most inspiring, empowering and unforgettable world records ever, nearly 50 skydivers over 60 jumping in formation.
Click here to watch the story.
Archive
Deep Thoughts
"I've never met a man or a woman that was successful who didn't have to work hard. Have discipline, have respect and do the best that you can do."
-- Col. Joe Kittinger
Did You Know?
July 27, 1928
Joseph Kittinger is born in Tampa, Florida. The future aviation pioneer took his first flight at 18 months, and his father reported he was the only passenger who smiled throughout the flight.
May 11, 1972
Near the end of his third tour of duty, Kittinger is shot down over North Vietnam. After surviving "rope torture" upon his arrival, he would spend the next 11 months as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton.
Sept. 14, 1984
Four days after departing from Caribou Maine, Kittinger completes the world's first solo, nonstop helium balloon ride across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Italy.
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