National Post

Daredevil looking to make history Tuesday with 1110 km/h free fall from Earth’s stratosphere
Skydiver Felix Baumgartner’s attempt at the highest, fastest free fall in history Tuesday is more than just a stunt.

His planned 37-kilometre dive from the stratosphere should provide scientists with valuable information for next-generation spacesuits and techniques that could help astronauts survive accidents.

Jumping from more than three times the height of the average cruising altitude for jetliners, Baumgartner hopes to become the first person to break the sound barrier outside of an airplane. His team has calculated that to be 1110 km/h based on the altitude of his dive. (Red Bull Stratos, Jay Nemeth/The Associated Press)