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Rothiemurchus
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The guy who parachuted from 20 miles up in the atmosphere - did he heat up significantly through friction with the air and how fast was he moving?
No, frictional heating is not a significant issue here.The third flight, on August 16, 1960, broke records. The Excelsior III climbed to 102,800 feet (31,333 meters), and on his descent, Kittinger freefell at speeds up to 614 miles per hour, approaching the speed of sound without the protection of an aircraft or space vehicle and experiencing temperatures as low as minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 degrees Celsius).
The purpose of parachuting from 20 miles altitude, also known as high-altitude skydiving, is to push the limits of human exploration and test new technologies for space travel. It can also serve as a training exercise for astronauts and provide valuable data for scientific research.
20 miles altitude is approximately 105,600 feet or 32,200 meters above sea level. At this altitude, the air is extremely thin and the temperature can drop to -94 degrees Fahrenheit (-70 degrees Celsius). Additionally, the lack of oxygen and extreme pressure can make it difficult for humans to survive without proper equipment.
The equipment needed for a high-altitude parachute jump includes a specialized pressurized suit, oxygen supply, and a drogue parachute which helps stabilize the jumper during freefall. The main parachute must also be designed to open at high altitudes and withstand extreme conditions.
The main risk of high-altitude skydiving is the lack of oxygen, which can lead to hypoxia and potentially cause unconsciousness or even death. Other risks include extreme temperatures, rapid decompression, and equipment failure. It is crucial for jumpers to receive proper training and have backup systems in place to minimize these risks.
Yes, the current world record for the highest parachute jump was set by Felix Baumgartner in 2012 at 24 miles (39 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. He successfully completed the jump and reached a speed of 843.6 miles per hour (1,357.6 kilometers per hour), breaking the sound barrier. However, it should be noted that this type of jump is extremely dangerous and should only be attempted by highly trained professionals with proper equipment and safety measures in place.