Red Bull Stratos

Congratulations to Alan Eustace for his efforts and achievements!

Where are they now?

The Red Bull Stratos team hasn’t exactly been taking it easy since they completed the mission two years ago (14 Oct 2012). Felix has been in demand all over the planet, from giving keynote speeches and doing magazine cover shoots to piloting helicopter flights for athletes and VIPs at sporting events. As always, he continues to challenge himself: this year he took on the 24 Hours Nürburgring auto race with Audi Race Experience. 

“I really miss my Red Bull Stratos team, because without them I would have never been successful!” Felix says. So where are they now? Mike Todd, the life support engineer who got Felix suited up for every mission, has been giving presentations, and he took care of that suit throughout a museum tour that finished up at the Smithsonian Institution, where Felix’s equipment is now part of the permanent collection on display in the Udvar-Hazy Center. We caught up a few other team members in person to find out what they’re up to.

Art Thompson [Technical Project Director] 

“The lessons learned from Red Bull Stratos are already being actively applied by the Air Force and NASA – for example, after studying the atmosphere we created in Felix’s capsule, the altitude pressure inside U-2 aircraft has been changed to reduce decompression sickness. My company Sage Cheshire Aerospace is also supporting development for programs like a space taxi that could eventually go to Mars, and we’re promoting science education around the world, including working with universities to teach graduate students about mission control and flight test methods.”

Joe Kittinger [Colonel USAF (Retired), Mission Consultant]

“I’ve been traveling to share my experiences on Red Bull Stratos and other projects, consulting on programs like a trans-Atlantic balloon attempt and working with other team members to mentor university students as they prepare for aerospace careers. Another project close to my heart is leading an effort to install an F-4 Phantom jet as a monument to Central Florida veterans at a park that’s named after me in Orlando.”

Dr. Jonathan Clark [Medical Director]

“While I’m continuing to teach at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Medical Branch, I’ve been doing a lot of traveling to share our findings and also to work with the next generation. On the two-year anniversary today, several of us are on the Cal State Los Angeles campus doing a STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] event. It’s so cool to see the passion of these students – I think we’re going to be seeing some really important strides in space safety.”

Luke Aikins [Skydiving Consultant]

“I’ve been doing demonstration jumps with wingsuits and parachutes all over the world, and I spent a year and a half putting together my baby, the Red Bull Aces wingsuit contest, which we’ll be continuing next year. I also train military jumpers, plus I’m planning for a skydive that I’ll be making myself in 2015 – which won’t be from a high altitude like Felix, but will definitely be history-making. And then there’s my favorite thing, raising my two-and-a-half-year-old son!”

Jay Nemeth [Director of High-Altitude Photography]

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is the next stop for the Red Bull Stratos exhibit where it will find it’s permanent home. Patrons will be able to see the equipment used in the mission, including Baumgartner’s space suit and 3,200-pound capsule.

Where: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Independence Ave at 6th St, SW Washington, DC 20560

When: Wednesday, April 2, 2014 (exhibit runs until May 26 and then artifacts will live at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center indefinitely)

Public Hours: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily with extended hours as part of the exhibition's run.

For more information visit: http://airandspace.si.edu/visit/extended-hours.cfm

The Red Bull Stratos traveling exhibit continues this month in Dayton, OH at the National Museum of the US Air Force (NMUSAF). This unique tour stop is home to several artifacts from Colonel Joe Kittinger's original gondola space missions; including the Stargazer and Project MANHIGH.  Dating back to 1923, NMUSAF is one of the world's oldest and largest military aviation museums with more than 360 aircrafts and missiles on display.  It also is home to several Presidential aircrafts, including those used by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

Please join us from January 24, 2014 to March 16, 2014 to experience Red Bull Stratos and so much more. For information on the National Museum of the US Air Force, please visit:  http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/    or take a virtual tour here: http://www.nmusafvirtualtour.com/full/tour-std.html  For one night only, The University of Dayton will host The Red Bull Stratos Leadership team in the Chudd Auditorium on January 24, 2014 from 3pm-5pm as they discuss the challenges and successes of this project. More details here: win.gs/Stratos The lecture will feature: Art Thompson- Technical Project Director Jon Clark- Medical Director Colonel Joe Kittinger- Director of Flight Operations And Safety The Red Bull Stratos Exhibit will open on same day at the National Museum of the US Air Force (open free to the public daily from 9am-5pm).

October 14 is the one-year anniversary of Red Bull Stratos! And the experts from the mission team have flown 5,000 miles to Felix Baumgartner’s birthplace of Salzburg to celebrate that memorable day.

Felix is welcoming Joe Kittinger, Art Thompson and Jon Clark – among others – back to his hometown, with special events like a tour of the Red Bull Stratos exhibit at the Hangar-7 aircraft museum and a day-trip to fantastic Alpine destinations. Felix even personally piloted an airborne tour of the region for Joe, Art and Jon in his helicopter. After more than five years of devoting themselves to the challenges of a supersonic dream, these hard-working experts have definitely earned some celebration!

When the jump was successful last October, the mission was still far from over: Felix has been on the road sharing his experiences with people all over, while the other team members have been sharing, too – analyzing the data and presenting the results to aerospace researchers. Even though they’ve had 12 months to reflect on the experience and what it meant to them, this celebration in Salzburg is a rare and wonderful occasion to come together as a group with Felix to look back and discuss their insights and emotions.

Felix and the team were able to relive that historic moment one year ago, and many others from the mission’s five-year development, during a special preview screening of the new documentary “Mission to the Edge of Space: The Inside Story of Red Bull Stratos.” Beginning Oct. 14, the one-year anniversary of the jump, the rest of us can watch this new documentary, too. It features lots of never-before-seen interviews with the team and all the ups and downs of the mission’s preparation and, eventually, success – including Felix’s own POV during freefall. This amazing film is available to watch for free, exclusively on web music service Rdio. Check out rdio.com/redbullstratos.

The California Science Center was the perfect location for a special meeting of the Red Bull Stratos team on January 23, as they conducted a peer review of all the data they’ve been analyzing since Felix Baumgartner’s supersonic freefall.

Even though the mission’s skydiving consultant Luke Aikins joked that he would be “more comfortable skydiving at night with one arm tied behind my back” than giving a formal presentation, he and the entire team did themselves proud, and the audience of dignitaries – including NASA astronauts, U.S. Air Force officers, and representatives from commercial aerospace companies such as Virgin Galactic, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, XCOR, Sierra Nevada Corporation and more – were obviously excited to be the first to learn the findings. 

Some of the most anticipated info came from the physiologic monitor Felix wore under his suit. How fast did his spin get? 60 rpm. (Still totally in the safe zone!). Then there were the weather extremes, with temps as low as minus 95 F. The team shared updates to Felix’s history-making stats, too, including the announcement that he went even faster than originally believed, definitely reaching Mach 1.25.

It was a fascinating day and an emotional one, with a long, spontaneous standing ovation for Felix’s mentor Joe Kittinger and a heartfelt moment when technical project director Art Thompson misted up in thanking the mission “family." Even the mid-afternoon break was memorable as everyone took a moment to visit Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Celebrating 2012 and looking ahead to 2013. Red Bull Stratos makes Sports Illustrated's Picture of the Year. Thank you RBS fans for being a part of our team and loyally following our mission to 128,100 ft. 10-14-12 was a spectacular day! Happy New Year from all of us. Reach for the Stars! 

This is where stars, students, and giant balloons meet - some place between the edge of space and terra firma in Roswell, New Mexico. Quest For Stars' CEO Bobby Russell is leading students on a scientific mission beyond this galaxy. In fact, Bobby and his team eagerly packed their bags and headed to Roswell, NM at about the same time the Red Bull Stratos team prepared for the final manned flight in October. The atmospheric pictures here were captured by the Quest For Stars balloon cam on Stratoshuttle3, the same day Felix Baumgartner made his record jump Oct. 14, 2012. The QFS balloon reached 98,000 ft. That's pretty close but not quite as high as our top altitude at 128,100 ft. Interestingly, their equipment landed not too far from our capsule recovery team near Roswell. To watch how Quest For Stars followed in Felix's footsteps, see it here.

Students and teachers at Patrick F. Daly School, 1/2 mile from New York Bay, were in a fight for their lives when Hurricane Sandy made landfall Oct. 29, 2012. After the storm had passed leaving the northeast in devastation, teachers at Patrick F. Daly directed attention to the Red Bull Stratos mission. It was the perfect lesson plan for these kids who had temporarily lost their school.

Michael Silverman with the STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) describes the aftermath:

"The basement was under twenty-five feet of water. The boiler and electrical systems were completely destroyed, along with all of the replacement furniture for the classrooms. The school was deemed uninhabitable. After a week of determining the damage, students and staff reported to a nearby school, to continue teaching and learning. We accommodated the space by placing entire grades of up to 70 students in a single classroom. As teachers worked with students to cope with the trauma and loss, we gave mini-lessons on the atmosphere, air pressure, and the speed of sound.

Many have asked how it's possible to use the "bathroom" when you're locked inside a pressurized space suit. After all, it was crticially important for Felix to remain hydrated on his way up to the stratosphere.

The original "space jumper", (Ret) Col. Joe Kittinger, boldly took the position as Felix Baumgartner's mentor and sole capsule communicator during the Red Bull Stratos mission. He was the perfect man for the job considering his experience as a U.S. Air Force test pilot and the first man to touch the dark sky from 102,800 ft. Listen to his experience on the BBC World Service Outlook.

Earlier this year I met with former NASA astronaut Col. Blaine Hammond. As Red Bull Stratos made its announcement in February 2012 that Felix Baumgartner would attempt a jump from at least 120,000 feet, I asked Col. Hammond how he felt about our endeavor.

"It looks extremely interesting and, if all goes well, it will be interesting to extrapolate Felix's results to a Shuttle crew that might have had to bail out at such altitudes."

Col. Hammond was optimistic and hoped all would go as planned so that our efforts would contribute to the science of space exploration. One thing he preached to classrooms after becoming an astronaut June 1985 was, "prepare now for what you want later". That was an ongoing theme for Felix and the science team spending more than 5 years preparing for the supersonic jump completed Oct. 14, 2012. 

Col. Hammond understands how crucial and unforgiving space exploration can be. Not only had he served as an astronaut, he was the ascent/entry spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) for shuttle missions following the Challenger disaster. When asked how he and his colleagues handled tense mission moments, Blaine said it was important to have the right attitude when approaching the unknown. Col. Hammond flew as pilot of Discovery on STS-39, the first unclassified Department of Defense mission (April 28 to May 6, 1991). He logged 8 days, 7 hours, 23 minutes of space flight. The seven-man crew performed numerous scientific experiments to collect data on atmospheric infrared and ultraviolet phenomena including a deploy and rendezvous in support of the Strategic Defense Initiative Office (SDIO).

Earlier this year Kevin Watanabe's 4th grade class in Denver, CO got a special visit from Dr. Jonathan Clark, medical director for Red Bull Stratos. The kids no doubt had many questions for the team, especially Col. Joe Kittinger. Luckily for us, Joe had answers for all of them.

Question from Jenna B: "Do you feel like you have a different connection with Felix and are you mad he wants to break your record?"

Col. Joe Kittinger: "No, I'm not mad because I feel that records are made to be broken and valuable research will result in these jumps from space... Yes, I have a connection with Felix because I was close to the altitude that Felix will be jumping from. I know all the emotions that will be going through his mind."

Question from Caleb: "Do you think Felix is ready and are you worried?"

Col. Joe Kittinger: "Yes, Felix is ready and no, I'm not worried because Felix is a professional athlete and an experienced skydiver. He is going to a very hostile environment to obtain needed research."

Question from Grant: "Do you feel a little jealous?"

Col. Joe Kittinger: "I'm not jealous because I feel that records are made to be broken. Felix's jump will provide needed research on escape from near space. Felix will also be testing the next generation pressure suit for astronauts and aviators."

The Red Bull Stratos Team sends good wishes and joy for the holidays. This picture was taken July 25, 2012 shortly after Felix's second jump from the stratosphere at 97,145 ft (29,610 m). Santa's helpers manipulated the sign to fit the holiday season. We dedicate 2012 to our fans.

"Thanks to the media, the whole world shared in the adventure as Felix jumped from 128,000 feet and reached the speed of 833 mph. What an exciting event! Sherry joins me in wishing all the Red Bull Stratos fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

-Col. Joe Kittinger

"I cannot believe what an amazing year 2012 was and what an incredible way to finish the journey. In many ways, it's a little sad that the whole adventure is now over but the friends and mates we met along the way will forever be in our hearts. To all the fans, colleagues, families and everyone else, thank you so much for all the support for Red Bull Stratos over all those years and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones."

-Andy Walshe, High Performance Dir.

"Christmas greetings to all the ranchers and oil lease owners of Roswell and Tatum who welcomed the long range optics team on their land. Without their help we would never have been able to get the tremendous pictures of the mission."

-Dennis Fisher, FlightLine Films

"From the entire FlightLine Films team, we are glad you could "ride along" with Felix on his amazing journey! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

-Jay Nemeth, FlightLine Films

"Thank you to our entire team for staying focused through the highs and lows and especially a big thank you to Red Bull for their outstanding dedication and support in helping to make this project come to fruition. You are a great company!"

-Ed Coca, Balloon Crew Chief ATA-Aerospace

"Abundant Blessings across the globe; to every devoted individual who cheered and prayed for the success of Red Bull Stratos, and the safe return of Felix--thank you! It was an extreme privilege for ATA-Aerospace to participate in this project, not only furthering balloon and space flight technology--but historically speaking as well. Our sincerest gratitude to Red Bull, and Sage Cheshire Aerospace (two amazing organizations!) that had a unique vision and unwavering determination--taking mankind to new heights. Merry Christmas to all, and God Bless Us Everyone!"

-Tracy Gerber, Program Manager ATA-Aerospace

"What an amazing year and such a joy to be able to connect with the world as we all find hope and inspiration together. Happy Holidays and here's to many more adventures!"

-Haley Murphy, Social Media Project Manager

"As your Red Bull Stratos web editor/embedded reporter I'm overjoyed thinking about what this team accomplished, having witnessed the transformation of ideas and dreams. The men and women who make up Red Bull Stratos are proven warriors, dedicating their lives to a mission tapped with challenges, unknowns, and victories. It was my privilege to share the stories behind this outstanding scientific project. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all of you who believed in us."

-Natasha Stenbock (writing your mission blogs since 2011)

"Red Bull Stratos started 52 years ago as a mission from one of the most respected men I know, Joe Kittinger, a true American hero and living legend who I am very proud to call my friend. His inspiration in aerospace led to a challenge that so many wished to aspire to. When my friend Felix Baumgartner requested me to assemble the team, design a program and flight test systems capable of reaching these goals, I brought the best people I knew. These living legends were not only the best in their field they were my peers, associates and friends from many other amazing programs and accomplishments. From so many different professional areas they joined my call to advance aerospace technology, capturing the imagination of the world while inspiring the next generation to see that anything is possible.

To the Stratos team: You have all become my associates on a truly fantastic journey but more important you are my family, my friends that I will forever be permanently forged together with in time and history. Thank you Felix and Red Bull for helping us make history and forever advance medical and aerospace safety for future high altitude manned flights. We have inspired the world and the next generation to understand that anything is possible if you have the will and determination to see the vision and the future. Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2013 to the Red Bull Stratos, Sage Cheshire, Riedel, FlightLine Films, ATA-A, Wyle, and Media House family and to all who supported us over the years with our dreams and vision. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with you all and look forward to our next adventure together."

Red Bull Stratos and Felix Baumgartner made it into the YouTube Rewind montage and Google's Top Trending News of 2012. Check it out!

Google Zeitgeist 

Google’s Biggest Headlines of 2012 all right here including our gigantic jump

Another spacediver is born! When you meet a member of the Red Bull Stratos Team, it's pretty much a given - the experience will inspire you to reach for the stars or in Erin Bonilla's case, reach for the toggles. Erin is a NASA contractor and recently licensed skydiver. Since meeting Col. Joe Kittinger and Felix Baumgartner this last spring at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum she is determined to ramp up her jumps. Here's her story:

You know the supersonic jump, you know the team, you know the name Felix Baumgartner. It's no surprise Felix is up for an array of outstanding achievements for 2012 by many world renowned organizations. This time it's Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic. Your vote counts on this link.