Why Did Felix Baumgartner Jump From 128,000 Feet Instead of Going Higher?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the reasons for Felix Baumgartner's jump from approximately 120,000 feet, exploring the limitations of altitude, the nature of the atmosphere, and the technical aspects of the jump. Participants engage in both speculative reasoning and technical explanations regarding the jump's altitude and the implications of spinning during freefall.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why Baumgartner did not jump from a higher altitude, suggesting that there may be limitations related to the balloon's capabilities or the suit's ratings.
  • Others argue that the atmosphere does not have a defined boundary, complicating the question of how much higher one could go before "leaving" it.
  • There are conflicting views on the altitude classification, with some stating that 120,000 feet is in the thermosphere, while others correct this to indicate it is below the mesosphere.
  • Participants discuss the implications of Baumgartner's spinning during the jump, with concerns about potential risks such as blacking out or complications with the parachute deployment.
  • Some express curiosity about the maximum speed achieved during the jump, with varying claims about whether he broke previous records and the accuracy of speed measurements.
  • Technical details are provided regarding the balloon's float altitude and the mechanics of helium pressure affecting ascent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on several points, including the classification of the jump's altitude, the risks associated with spinning, and the specifics of speed records. Multiple competing views remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved assumptions about the balloon's capabilities, the definitions of atmospheric layers, and the accuracy of speed measurements. The discussion reflects a mix of technical reasoning and speculative inquiry without definitive conclusions.

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  • #32
From the BBC stream it seemed he was spinning violently for a while
 
  • #33
Yeah, I watched it live, and that embedded vid had a large chunk edited out. That slight spinning shown wasn't anything like it ended up. It was quite violent, and I was surprised the automatic drogue or chute specifically for that situation wasn't deployed.

He spun much faster and for quite a while before they cut to that mission control shot, then recovered and maintained head down freefall for a few minutes before deploying the chute.
 
  • #34
I didn't watch it live, but it was spectacular nonetheless. Seeing him on his knees with his fists in the air was a huge relief!
 
  • #35
Better video here:



Watch him spinning and stopping to spin between 2:30 and 2:45.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #36
In response to the OP, the balloon topped out at just under 128,000 ft, because this was the float altitude of the balloon, meaning the altitude at which the pressure of helium inside is equal to the ambient pressure outside. At this point, any excess helium vents out the bottom, and there is no more lift. Also, these are stratospheric balloons, they don't go up into the thermosphere, whoever said that.
 
  • #37
What is the big deal about him spinning?
 
  • #38
leroyjenkens said:
He should have went higher and tried to break the speed of light.

Then he could land before he takes off and know that everything will turn out OK.
 
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  • #39
DeepSpace9 said:
What is the big deal about him spinning?
It could cause him to black out or get tangled in his chute.
 
  • #40
DeepSpace9 said:
What is the big deal about him spinning?
The spinning speed could reach 3.6 revolutions per second, 2.3 revolutions per second can already be harmful or fatal to a human being. It appeared that they switched to the ground station in order to protect the viewers from that sight of spinning, the fact that they've taking out the spinning in the videos posted here suggests it was really worrisome?

I watched the stream live and there were quite a few moments when Baumgartner was unresponsive when preparing to uncouple himself from the capsule. I imaged it would be because of stress levels, the person on the ground appeared to soothe him by saying comforting words, did he comment on what went through his mind at that time or was it just because the communications were not getting through?
 
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  • #41
Monique said:
The spinning speed could reach 3.6 revolutions per second, 2.3 revolutions per second can already be harmful or fatal to a human being. It appeared that they switched to the ground station in order to protect the viewers from that sight of spinning, the fact that they've taking out the spinning in the videos posted here suggests it was really worrisome?

I watched the stream live and there were quite a few moments when Baumgartner was unresponsive when preparing to uncouple himself from the capsule. I imaged it would be because of stress levels, the person on the ground appeared to soothe him by saying comforting words, did he comment on what went through his mind at that time or was it just because the communications were not getting through?

when I was watching the live stream I saw him hesitate, and tbh it looked like just one of those moments where you go "oh god wait a second" but then he pulled through it
 
  • #42
The moment when he was spinning was very scary. Here is an interview of him:

http://kurier.at/video/nachrichten/1900974173001-felix-baumgartner-ich-hatte-traenen-in-den-augen.php
In German

Baumgartner: "It really started to get violent. For a few seconds I thought I would lose my conciousness."
 
  • #43
What would be the effects if he pulled his chute too early, or during the spin?
 
  • #44
DeepSpace9 said:
What would be the effects if he pulled his chute too early, or during the spin?
Deploying the chute while spinning risks becoming entangled in the chute in which case, the chute might fail and one could continue to fall. If one cannot become unentangled, one might fall to the ground.
 
  • #45
uperkurk said:
So why not just go as high as possible and then jump? Why stop at 120,000 ft?

I think it was a matter of Oxygen. Once he disengaged from the pod's life support system, he had about 10 minutes worth of Oxygen. Yeah, he probably could have gone a little higher (assuming there were no other reasons for stopping at 120K which would probably be a terrible assumption), but they were just playing it safe I'm sure. Also, wasn't it closer to 130K feet? I thought I read where it was 128K.
 

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