Felix Baumgartner Completes Second Test Jump

Austrian BASE jumper Felix Baumgartner has successfully completed his second test-jump as he prepares for an attempt at the world record for the highest skydive. Yesterday Felix donned his specially designed pressure suit, boarded a balloon filled with helium and proceed to climb to an altitude of 96,640 feet (29,455 meters). At that point, he opened his tiny capsule, stepped out into the void and let gravity take its effect.

What followed was a 3 minute, 48 second freefall during which Baumgartner reached speeds in excess of 536mph/863kph. It took him 10 minutes, 36 seconds to complete the entire jump, which was all just a dress rehearsal for the big event which could come this fall. At that time, Felix will attempt to jump from 120,000 feet (36,576 meters).

The video below gives us a good glimpse at the balloon, Felix's suit and the huge effort that is going into this project. The images from the edge of space aren't bad either.