Red Bull Space Jump... Live

[Hoofbite]

Originally Posted by Sam I Am

I watched it live on Youtube. When I saw him flipping uncontrollably my heart was in my throat. When he seem to magically stabilize, I cheered louder then than when he actually landed.

I saw a crappy stream rip that was posted to YouTube and at first I was asking myself if he was flopping around.

Didn't look good.

I realize it's a crazy height to fall from but you'd think that once he gets down to skydiving level he's going to slow down enough to where he's in his comfort zone and can more easily control the fall.

[Sam I Am]

Originally Posted by Hoofbite

I saw a crappy stream rip that was posted to YouTube and at first I was asking myself if he was flopping around.

Didn't look good.

I realize it's a crazy height to fall from but you'd think that once he gets down to skydiving level he's going to slow down enough to where he's in his comfort zone and can more easily control the fall.

True. They do the weak "bunny hop" during the initial jump to try and prevent any unnecessary flipping. When the atmosphere is so thin, there is no way to control the flipping. Once the air thickens, more control can be had. Back to the reason for the weak bunny hop. They do this so that flipping doesn't get dangerously out of control before control can be regained.

The issue is, the uncontrolled flipping can get to the point that physical damage can occur not allowing the jumper to regain control, or a mental obstruction (like dizziness, physical sickness, or even blackouts) can occur also preventing the jumper from regaining control once possible.

Obviously, those situations can result in death.

[Hostile]

I wonder how long it would take to float down if you opened your chute from near that height? Can you imagine floating down for 24 miles?

[MonsterD]

Originally Posted by Rack Bauer

Is it on Youtube yet?

Not on youtube but here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/s...-the-jump.html

[Sam I Am]

Originally Posted by Hostile

I wonder how long it would take to float down if you opened your chute from near that height? Can you imagine floating down for 24 miles?

Well, if he immediately opened his chute, I think his chute would have just been in free fall just like him. The question is at what point would it actually have some affect.

Interesting question. I would love to see something like that happen just to see exactly what would happen.

[Mr_Bill]

Originally Posted by Hostile

I wonder how long it would take to float down if you opened your chute from near that height? Can you imagine floating down for 24 miles?

If he had done that it would have taken a lot less time than it actually did. Since he was tumbling (and the chute would not have helped that at that altitude), it would undoubtedly have become tangled up with his body, which would have made quite a splat.