I reserve the right to occasionally post on something that is just truly remarkable. This one is eccentric and yet amazing. Michel Fournier (62 years young) is planning a supersonic free fall sometime this month above the plains of Saskatchewan, Canada. From a balloon-carried gondola, Fournier will perform a skydive at an altitude of 130,000 feet (40 kilometers)–roughly 25 miles above the Earth. This jump, if it goes as planned, is expected to break four world records:
1. Altitude record for freefall
2. Altitude record for human balloon flight
3. Time record for longest freefall
4. Speed record for fastest freefall–breaking the sound barrier in the process (calculations suggest he should reach Mach 1.7)
After Fournier jumps, the gondola will descend by parachute. Don’t worry — the base of the gondola is equipped with shock absorbers for a safe landing. And his wardrobe is taken care of — Fournier will be wearing a spacesuit made of new synthetic material fabricated by the Textile Institute of France. The special outfit is designed to keep his temperature stable during the jump (it is very cold 25 miles above the Earth, but he’ll heat up quite a bit while falling), yet is light enough to enhance his maneuverability as he plunges to the earth.
Apparently, Fourier has twice been thwarted from making the jump by weather and balloon problems. But his team ordered a new balloon and have been waiting for the right jet stream conditions until now.
Tim Challies, can you please live-blog the jump?
This story made me think of Psalm 8:4-6: “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,”
The majesty of man testifies to the greater majesty of His maker.
Read the original source.