Story perspectives
Today in History: Felix Baumgartner breaks sound barrier in stratosphere jump
10/14/2025
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Story summary
- On October 14, 2012, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner made history by jumping from a helium balloon in the stratosphere, reaching an altitude of approximately 39 km (24 mi). During his descent, he achieved a top speed of 1,357.64 km/h (843.6 mph), becoming the first person to break the sound barrier without vehicular power.
