AUSTRIAN daredevil Felix Baumgartner has set a dramatic world-record 24.2-mile jump from the edge of space to earth in what is set to be confirmed as the world's first supersonic skydive.
The 43-year-old fell to his knees on the New Mexico desert and punched the air with two firm fists after he completed the highest ever skydive, with a nine-minute descent from 128,000ft, after a two-hour-and-37-minute ascent in a balloon capsule. "I think 20 tons have fallen from my shoulders," said Mr Baumgartner.
It was not immediately clear if he had become the first human to break the sound barrier, although having reached a speed of 729mph on the descent it is expected to be confirmed.
The previous highest skydive was made by retired US Air Force Colonel Joe Kittinger, who leapt from a helium envelope in 1960. His altitude was 102,800ft.
Mr Baumgartner, a former military parachutist, set three of four aimed-for records, including breaking the record for the highest manned balloon flight. The previous record of 113,740ft (about 22 miles) was set in May 1961 by US Navy Commander Malcolm Ross and Lieutenant Commander Victor Prather.
"We love you Felix," screamed the crowd as he plunged through the stratosphere. There was further loud applause and cheers inside the mission's control centre in Roswell when after a free-fall that lasted four minutes and 19 seconds, Fearless Felix's parachute finally opened.
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