Free Falling

Felix Baumgartner, a 43-year-old former Austrian military parachutist, floated for two hours in a purpose-built capsule towed by an enormous helium balloon before leaping into the record books from 128,000ft – almost four times the height of a cruising passenger airline.

As well as becoming the first man to break the sound barrier unaided, Baumgartner set three other world records during the attempt. The first came after two hours and two minutes when he broke the record for the highest manned balloon flight, previously held by Malcolm Ross and Victor Prather who soared to 113,740ft in 1961. Their record ended in tragedy when Prather drowned in the Gulf of Mexico upon landing.

He also broke the current freefall record of 19.5 miles held by Joe Kittinger. Mr Kittinger, who set his record in 1960, was the only person allowed to communicate with Mr Baumgartner while he was inside the capsule which carried him into space.

What does Felix Baumgartner's historic jump mean for the future of the American Space Program?

What has the President pledged America will accomplish in his lifetime?

What will it cost?  Is it worth it?