Roswell, New Mexico (CNN) - A skydiver's historic free-fall from the stratosphere was back on schedule Tuesday, with workers preparing the helium balloon that will transport him up following a delay due to weather concerns.
Felix Baumgartner is aiming to jump from a higher altitude than anyone ever has - 120,000 feet (about 23 miles), more than three times the cruising altitude of the average airliner - with nothing but a space suit, helmet and parachute.
He also hopes to be the first person to break the sound barrier in such a dive. At that altitude, the thin air provides so little resistance that after just 40 seconds, he is expected to be free-falling faster than 690 miles an hour.
What drives people to take such risks and attempt such dangerous stunts? On "Starting Point" this morning, high wire artist Nik Wallenda shares what drives daredevils to seek the thrill.
READ MORE: Skydive from stratosphere set to proceed
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertise with us | About us | Help | Advertising Practices
soundoff (No Responses)