Parachutist Fearless Felix jumps from 18 miles - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

Parachutist Fearless Felix jumps from 18 miles

Posted:
(AP) -

Skydiver Felix Baumgartner has done it again.

The 43-year-old Austrian plunged to Earth from an altitude of about 96,640 feet Wednesday -- more than 18 miles. He landed safely near Roswell, N.M.

It's the second stratospheric leap for "Fearless Felix". He's aiming for a record-breaking jump from 125,000 feet, or 23 miles, in another month. He hopes to go supersonic, breaking the speed of sound with just his body.

Longtime record-holder Joe Kittinger jumped from 102,800 feet in 1960 for the Air Force. Kittinger monitored Wednesday's test jump from Roswell.

Just like in March, Baumgartner ascended in an enclosed capsule lifted by a giant helium balloon. He wore a full-pressure suit and used parachutes.

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