| MUMBAI:
BBC Worldwide America has announced a co-production, Space Dive, with the
National Geographic Channel (NGC). The
documentary will follow one man as he challenges the boundaries of science.
In
2010, elite base jumper Felix Baumgartner will attempt a historic freefall from
a staggering 125,000 feet: a jump that will qualify him as the first person to
break the sound barrier without propulsion. The
documentary will follow Felix from his first solo travel to the edge of space,
with the aid of just a balloon, to his actual dive from 125,000 feet.
Reaching record shattering speeds of over 690 mph (Mach 1) in just 35 seconds,
breaking the sound barrier without propulsion and creating a human sonic boom
on his way back to Earth, Felix will put his body through the most arduous and
life-threatening conditions ever experienced in freefall.
A
scientific challenge, a team of Nasa and US Air Force experts are collaborating
on the technical aspects and logistics of the dive. Working
closely with Felix is US Air Force veteran Colonel Joe Kittinger, who in 1960
jumped from 102,800 feet, making Joe the only man to have achieved a similar feat
to what Felix is about to attempt. Cameras
will be affixed to Felix’s balloon and helmet providing unrestricted access
to every aspect of his quest and revealing his unique view of space and Earth
during his dive from space. The
documentary will air on National Geographic Channel (US), BBC (UK) and will be
globally distributed by BBC Worldwide. | 
