Joe Kittinger, the first person to jump from the stratosphere, has died

The image of Felix Baumgartner jumping out of the stratosphere in 2012 is simply unforgettable. True, the achievement of the Red Bull Stratos program was surpassed just two years later, but the whole world froze, watching the free fall of an Austrian skydiver trying to break the record for more than five decades. And among so many eyes fixed on the screens, Joe Kittingerauthor of the original brand beat, died December 9 at the age of 94..

For 52 years, Kittinger was an enviable record holder. From the highest ascent in a hot air balloon to the highest parachute jump, not to mention the longest free fall or the highest speed a person has traveled through the atmosphere without a vehicle or engine. Baumgartner managed to break three of those four records – he was only short of one for the longest free fall – and he did so with an experienced former airman serving as communications chief.

As reported BBC Times, his death occurred at his home in Florida, USA, after battling lung cancer. The news was confirmed by family friends and politician John Mika. It is worth noting that Joe Kittinger, in addition to achievements as a skydiver, He was a pilot during the Vietnam War.where he was captured and spent 11 months in a POW camp.

Joe Kittinger, skydiving record holder

The Joe Kittinger case is infamous, as throughout his career in the US Air Force achieved great prestige for participation in experimental programs.

In 1957, for example, he starred in the first mission of the Project human dignity, the purpose of which was to study the effects of cosmic rays on the human body. On June 2 of the same year, the then pilot climbed almost 29,500 meters in a gondola equipped with various measurement equipment. The ascent had to be interrupted ahead of schedule due to incorrect installation of a valve in the oxygen supply system.

However, Kittinger achieved his high point a few years later with Project Excelsior. He aimed himself test the development of a new type of parachute this allowed pilots to safely eject, given that aircraft of the time were capable of flying higher and faster.

November 16, 1959 Joe Kittinger became first person to jump from the stratosphere as part of the mission Excelsior II. He did so from a height of 23,300 meters, although the event could have ended in tragedy as the skydiver passed out in the middle of the fall. Fortunately, the parachute’s altimeter and timer system worked correctly and activated the parachute’s deployment, allowing for a safe landing.

Less than a month later, on December 11, the test was carried out. Excelsior II. This time, Kittinger was able to make the jump without any problems, although from a lower height than the previous one (22,800 meters).

But it was on August 16, 1960 that Joe Kittinger really made history. As part Excelsior IIIdelivered a gondola, driven by a stratospheric balloon, to 31,300 meters high. From there, he managed to jump in and set four records, which 52 years later were challenged – and surpassed on three occasions – by Felix Baumgartner.

An anecdote about an American pilot’s record jump says that the pressurization system of his spacesuit was out of order. Because of this, his right hand was exposed to heights, causing significant and painful swelling. Despite this, Kittinger chose not to inform his superiors to avoid a possible cancellation of the attempt.

Homage to Felix Baumgartner

In 2012, Red Bull brought him on as a consultant for the Stratos program, which led to Felix Baumgartner trying to break his records. Joe Kittinger also served as the pod’s communicator.maintaining direct radio contact with the Austrian paratrooper throughout the process.

Before the jump, an experienced pilot and skydiver assured that he wanted Baumgartner not only to break his records, but also to become the first person to break the sound barrier without using a ship or engine. “Chuck Yeager was the first guy to fly supersonic in an airplane. It was on the same day as today, but 65 years ago. And I think it would be absolutely wonderful if we could get Felix to fly supersonic without a plane,” he said. reported October 14, 2012

To the delight of Kittinger, the European managed to do it. During the jump from a height of almost 39,000 meters, Baumgartner developed a speed of almost 1358 kilometers per hour; namely, Mach 1.25.

Joe Kittinger’s voice accompanied Baumgartner to his jump, following a list of tasks to complete and leaving a suggestion for the story. “[…] That’s it, boy. Stand on the outside step, lower your head, unfasten your helmet strap. Turn on the cameras and our guardian angel will take care of you”. The rest has become history.

After the news of his death became public, Felix Baumgartner himself remembered Kittinger on Instagram. “Respect”he wrote, accompanying a black heart with a photo in which he shared a greeting with one of the most important paratroopers in American aerospace history.