Red Bull Stratos Mission’s Historic Freefall Jump Postponed

Red Bull Stratos

Red Bull Stratos

Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner was to set a new milestone for mankind with the Red Bull Stratos mission at 120,000 ft in the atmosphere. The mission however, at press time, has been called off because of radio problems and gusty winds (over 17mph) affecting the launch proper .

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Set to jump from a stratospheric balloon, Baumgartner was to attempt to break the speed of sound while in freefall protected only by a pressurised space suit and specially modified helmet. Baumgartner, who set a BASE world record after jumping from the Petronas Twin towers in 1999, will be the first human ever to hit Mach 1 in freefall, an estimated speed of 690mph.

Red Bull Stratos Mission 2
Baumgartner visibly disappointed with the cancellation of today’s launch

Baumgartner was visibly disappointed with the calling off of the launch, at Roswell, New Mexico. The original stratospheric balloon which was partly inflated, can no longer be used for the next launch. There is a spare balloon that may be used for another launch attempt when more ideal weather conditions permit.

Red Bull Stratos Mission 3
Gusty winds didn’t only deflate the stratospheric balloon, but morale as well.

Maxis is the official local mobile broadcaster of Red Bull Stratos, created by Red Bull Blue & Silver (Product of Europe) and Felix Baumgartner. Maxis is bringing the historic event LIVE to its customers across mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs/laptops.

The principle aim of the Red Bull Stators project is to collect valuable data for science that could potentially improve the safety of space travel and enable high-altitude escapes from spacecraft. The jump of course will also attempt to break records such as the highest speed in freefall, highest jump and highest manned balloon flight.

Red Bull Stratos Mission. All suited up.
Red Bull Stratos Mission. All suited up.

Baumgartner, 43, one of the world’s most celebrated B.A.S.E. jumpers, and the Red Bull Stratos team have been preparing for years to break the record for highest-altitude jump, eclipsing a mark set more than 52 years ago by American Joseph Kittinger who achieved a jump from 102,800 feet in 1960.

For more information on Maxis’ mobile broadcast of the Red Bull Stratos mission to the edge of space, customers can visit http://mylaunchpad.com.my or www.redbullstratos.com. Customers can also find more details and updates on Maxis’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/maxis) and Twitter feeds (@maxiscomms).

[spoiler title=”Read full press release”]

MAXIS CUSTOMERS TO BE PART OF HISTORY BY WITNESSING A MISSION TO THE EDGE OF SPACE, ACROSS DEVICES

  • Maxis is the local mobile broadcaster of Red Bull Stratos, created by Red Bull Blue & Silver (Product of Europe) and Felix Baumgartner, a mission to the edge of space
  • Maxis customers have the opportunity to witness history across their mobile devices anytime, anywhere, over the country’s widest and fastest network
  • Maxis strives to be the first to bring its customers to the forefront of new, exciting and leading edge technology, as well as provide the most enriching experiences

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Kuala Lumpur, 5 October 2012

Malaysia’s leading integrated communications service provider, Maxis Berhad (Maxis), will soon be part of history by participating as the official local mobile broadcaster of Red Bull Stratos, created by Red Bull Blue & Silver (Product of Europe) and Felix Baumgartner, a mission to the edge of space. On 8 October at 8.00 pm Malaysian time (subject to ideal weather conditions), Austrian aviation pioneer Felix Baumgartner will ascend to 120,000 feet in a stratospheric balloon over New Mexico, and make a freefall jump towards the Earth, breaking the sound barrier at supersonic speed before parachuting to the ground. Maxis will be bringing this historic event LIVE to its customers across mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs/laptops.

All customers need to do is click on the link http://mlp.my/redbullstratos or visit http://mylaunchpad.com.my directly to view the video of the jump at the specified time. Links to the video will also be available on www.maxis.com.my, www.hotlink.com.my and www.nowyoucan.com.my  websites, as well as Maxis’ Facebook page and Twitter.

A central aim of the Red Bull Stratos project is to collect valuable data for science that could ultimately help improve the safety of space travel and enable high-altitude escapes from spacecraft. The jump will also attempt to break an assortment of records such as the highest speed in freefall, highest jump and highest manned balloon flight.

“We are extremely delighted to be part of this project, which represents technological advancements at the highest levels. At Maxis, we strive to always be the first to bring our customers to the forefront of new, exciting and leading edge technology, as well as provide the most enriching experiences. We therefore feel privileged to give our customers the opportunity to be part of history by making this live event available across their smart mobile devices anytime, anywhere,” said Suren J Amarasekera, Maxis’ Joint Chief Operating Officer.

“We have also been continuously improving our mobile experiences for our customers by pushing on the frontiers of available technology. With our largest high-speed network footprint in the country, customers will have a seamless experience in witnessing this groundbreaking event,” added Suren.

Baumgartner, 43, one of the world’s most celebrated B.A.S.E. jumpers, and the Red Bull Stratos team have been preparing for years to break the record for highest-altitude jump, eclipsing a mark set more than 52 years ago by American Joseph Kittinger who achieved a jump from 102,800 feet in 1960.

For more information on Maxis’ mobile broadcast of the Red Bull Stratos mission to the edge of space, customers can visit http://mylaunchpad.com.my or www.redbullstratos.com. Customers can also find more details and updates on Maxis’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/maxis) and Twitter feeds (@maxiscomms).

[/spoiler]

Vernon
Vernon is the founder and chief editor of Vernonchan.com. A graphic designer by profession, he has a deep love for technology, cars, gadgets, food, and travel. He tweets too much and is also known as a caffeine bacterium ("life's too short for bad coffee"). Bleeds Blue (go Chelsea FC!) and considers BMW, Porsche, Alfa Romeo cars to have in the garage--hallmarks of a true petrolhead.