Skydiver aims for supersonic plunge on Oct. 8

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) ? The countdown is on for skydiver Felix Baumgartner.

In just two weeks, Baumgartner will attempt to go supersonic when he jumps from a record altitude of 23 miles over New Mexico. Project managers announced Tuesday the feat will take place Oct. 8.

The Austrian parachutist jumped from 13 miles in March and 18 miles in July. This time, he hopes to break the all-time record of 19.5 miles set in 1960.

Baumgartner's capsule was damaged in the latest practice jump and had to be repaired and retested. A giant helium balloon will hoist the pressurized capsule with Baumgartner inside, dressed in a pressure suit. Takeoff will be from Roswell.m

Baumgartner expects to reach a top speed of 690 mph and break the sound barrier with only his body.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2012-09-25-Supersonic%20Skydiver/id-ee3c338c57f842cf909f7e836bf5e9f9

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