Austrian Felix Baumgartner has
broken the record for the highest
ever skydive by jumping out of a
balloon 128,000ft (24 miles, 39km)
above New Mexico.
The 43-year-old was hoping also to
break the sound barrier during his
descent - although that mark awaits
confirmation.
Video cameras relayed the moment
Baumgartner stepped from his
balloon capsule to begin his fall to
Earth.
It took just under 10 minutes for him
to reach the desert surface below.
Only the last few thousand feet were
negotiated by parachute. Once
down, he fell to his knees and raised
his fists in triumph. Helicopter
recovery teams were on hand
moments later.
None of the new marks set by
Baumgartner can be classed as
"official" until endorsed by the
Federation Aeronautique
Internationale (FAI).
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