RED BULL STRATOS Frequently Asked Questions

January 2010

CONTENTS

WHAT, pages 4-8 Q. What is Stratos? Q. Where did the name “” come from? Q. Can the mission be quantified in terms of numbers? Q. How did this mission get started? Q. How dangerous is this mission?

WHY, pages 9-10 Q. What are the objectives of the mission? Q. What kind of data will be examined? Q. What is the value of this mission?

WHEN, page 11-11 Q. When will the final jump take place?

WHERE, pages 11-11 Q. Where will the final launch take place? Q. Why is this mission being conducted in North America?

WHO, pages 12-14 Q. Who is , and why is he the person undertaking this mission? Q. What are some of Felix Baumgartner’s past achievements? Q. Who holds the current world records that Felix Baumgartner is planning to surpass? 2

Q. Who will communicate with Felix Baumgartner during the mission? Q. Felix Baumgartner is an ambassador for the Wings for Life spinal cord research foundation, where can I learn more about this organization? Q. Who is working with Felix Baumgartner to make this mission happen?

HOW, pages 15-19 Q, In a nutshell, how will the mission be carried out? Q. How is Felix Baumgartner preparing for this mission? Q. What kinds of tests will be conducted before the mission launches? Q. Why does Felix Baumgartner have to wear a special pressure suit? Q. What type of material is the high-altitude made of? Q. What is the anticipated schedule for launch day? Q. Is there an on-site base camp to control the operation? Q. Who will verify Felix Baumgartner’s records?

VIEWING/BROADCAST/MEDIA, page 19 Q. Can members of the public watch the mission on-site? Q. Will this mission be broadcast live?

FURTHER INFORMATION, pages 20

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WHAT…

Q: WHAT IS RED BULL STRATOS? A: Red Bull Stratos, created by Red Bull and Felix Baumgartner, is a mission to the edge of space. Supported by a team of world-leading scientists, engineers and physicians, Felix will launch a high altitude balloon to ascend to a height of around 120,000 feet. Once at this height he will jump in freefall in an attempt to become the first person to break the speed of sound unassisted. The data captured by the Red Bull Stratos team in preparation for and execution of the mission promises new standards in safety for all who seek to expand the boundaries of human flight.

Q: WHERE DID THE NAME “RED BULL STRATOS” COME FROM? A: Red Bull Stratos is a mission to the stratosphere – “Stratos” is quite simply an abbreviation of that term.

Q. CAN THE MISSION BE QUANTIFIED IN TERMS OF NUMBERS? A. As the primary objective of Red Bull Statos is to deliver valuable information for medical and scientific advancement, it’s impossible to quantify the overall mission in terms of mere numbers. However, what we can highlight are records that the project hopes to achieve as a result of the final jump.

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Felix Baumgartner is aiming to set four records – all of which have stood for nearly 50 years – and in the process set a new record for all time …

- The first human in history to break the speed of sound in freefall, simultaneously setting a new speed record for fastest freefall: expected to exceed Mach 1.0, likely more than 690miles per hour. (Current record for fastest freefall: 614 miles per hour, equivalent to Mach 0.9. The record for breaking the speed of sound in freefall has never before been successfully established.)

- Altitude record for freefall: expected minimum of 120,000 feet. (Current record: 102,800 feet)

- Altitude record for manned balloon flight: expected minimum of 120,000 feet. (Current record: 113,740 feet)

- Time record for longest freefall: expected duration of approximately 5 minutes, 35 seconds. (Current record: 4 minutes, 36 seconds)

And to put such extreme figures into context …

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- The altitude: a minimum of 120,000 feet. Felix will jump from the capsule when he’s around 23 miles above Earth’s surface – that’s about four times higher than a commercial ’s cruise altitude.

- The speed: in excess of Mach 1.0. At around 35 seconds into his flight, Felix will become the first person known to break the with the human body (without a vehicle). In other words, he’ll likely be traveling over 690 miles per hour, speeding downward at more than 11 miles per minute. In comparison, a Boeing 747-400 airplane cruises at about 567 mph, and a skydiver falling in the familiar, belly-down position is moving at approximately 120 mph.

- The temperature: minus 47 degrees Fahrenheit (at least). Temperatures rise through the stratosphere; so when Felix jumps, the temperature will probably be a balmy minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. But as Felix descends, he (and his equipment) may have to withstand temperatures as low as minus 47 degrees Fahrenheit for a minute or so.

- The time: approximately 5 minutes, 30 seconds of freefall: Although he’ll move faster than the speed of sound, from a height of 120,000 feet Felix hopes

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to set a new time record by achieving the longest freefall ever to return to Earth.

Q: HOW DID THIS MISSION GET STARTED? A. In 2005, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner called an American friend, Art Thompson, an engineer, to ask him to collaborate on the mission that would become known as Red Bull Stratos. Felix and Art realized that the mission – jumping from a greater height than any human before, and surpassing the speed of sound protected by nothing more than a pressure suit – would require long-term dedication and a scientific approach. They took their proposal to Red Bull owner , who, as an enthusiast himself (Dietrich is not only a licensed pilot but also conceived the Red Bull Air Race series), was quick to see the potential benefits of the mission. Dietrich realized that by making this commitment to aerospace technology, Red Bull would be able to offer contributions to the existing knowledge base that could help to save the lives of future aviators and astronauts. With the confirmation that Red Bull would be an active participant and driver in the effort, Felix and Art chose the scientific and medical team that could carry out such a project, and mission preparations got underway.

Q: HOW DANGEROUS IS THE MISSION? A: The edge of space is a hostile environment, and Felix is literally stepping into the unknown. Success is by no

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means guaranteed; over the past 50 years several people have died trying to surpass Joe Kittinger’s records. That said, the mission team of experts and consultants ranks among the very best in the world and was carefully selected to anticipate and manage each detail along the way. Long-term preparation, the best equipment and the most innovative technology, not to mention years of training and experience on the most elite missions the world has known, make this project achievable and minimize the risks as much as possible.

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WHY…

Q: WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION? A: The goal of Felix Baumgartner – and everyone on the Red Bull Stratos team – is to make a significant step forward in the exploration of the outer layers of Earth’s atmosphere, benefiting human, medical and scientific interests.

In developing a program and medical protocols to overcome the current limits of surviving a jump from the edge of space, the team expects to simulate a full-scale emergency escape operation of the kind that could be used for a team of astronauts who need to egress from their craft at a critically high altitude. Ultimately, this collective information may help programs to develop new, lifesaving procedures for astronauts and aviators.

Q: WHAT KIND OF DATA WILL BE EXAMINED? A: To document the feasibility of freefall from a minimum altitude of 120,000 feet, the team will assess the effects – on the human body and on support equipment – of rapid transition in speeds: accelerating from subsonic to transonic and then supersonic velocity, and then decelerating back from Mach levels to subsonic speeds. Considering possible eventualities, the Red Bull Stratos team will conduct research to produce new protocols for prevention and treatment of certain altitude-related

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disorders. They will also examine data to determine optimal methods for controlling body position in descent, to avoid dangers like spinning and tumbling that can have severe physiological effects and cause malfunction.

Q: WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THIS MISSION? A: A half-century has elapsed since Joe Kittinger’s historic descent laid the groundwork for the development of space programs, yet remarkably few protocols have been established for high-altitude freefall. For astronauts and aviators, including members of the public who will someday engage in the commercial space flights on the horizon, Red Bull Stratos provides a real-world test of medical protocols and a protective ensemble (pressurized capsule, enhanced full-pressure suit and helmet) that hold promise for a new benchmark in safety.

Further, Felix’s courage, and the skills and achievements of the entire Red Bull Stratos team, can serve as inspiration and education for the general public, especially young people.

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WHEN…

Q: WHEN WILL THE FINAL JUMP TAKE PLACE? A: The final jump for the record attempt is scheduled to take place in spring/summer 2010. The mission is highly dependent on wind and weather conditions, so adverse weather could prompt delays or a postponement of the launch.

WHERE…

Q: WHERE WILL THE FINAL JUMP TAKE PLACE? A: Testing is taking place in numerous locations, and it has been confirmed that the final jump will occur in North America (exact location to be announced as the launch date nears).

Q. WHY IS THIS MISSION BEING CONDUCTED IN NORTH AMERICA? A: The Red Bull Stratos mission is being conducted in North America because it offers an optimal combination of suitable launch locations and local experts with extensive background knowledge particular to such an endeavor. Also, and although the mission team is international in scope, many of the participants and organizations collaborating on the effort are based in North America.

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WHO…

Q: WHO IS FELIX BAUMGARTNER, AND WHY IS HE THE PERSON UNDERTAKING THIS MISSION? A: Austrian native Felix Baumgartner may be one of the most innately talented and fully dedicated aviation athletes in the world. Best known for his winged freefall crossing of the English Channel in 2003, Felix possesses a rare combination of traits: he is courageous, reliable and exceptionally fit, and he blends a high degree of professionalism with a relentless search for new adventures. It’s the unique combination of these skills – teamed with his experience, athleticism and ability to think and react quickly in difficult situations – that has made him respected in the elite enclave of professional B.A.S.E. jumpers and skydivers. He is also a licensed and balloon pilot.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF FELIX BAUMGARTNER’S PAST ACHIEVEMENTS? A: Particularly notable among Felix Baumgartner’s achievements are: . completing the first winged freefall (unmotorized) crossing of the English Channel (from Calais to Dover); . jumping from the PETRONAS Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1,479 feet, then the highest building in the world); . launching the first B.A.S.E. jump from the Christ the Redeemer statue in , Brazil (a 12

terrifyingly low 95 feet, requiring split-second timing); . making the first jump off what is currently the world’s tallest building, 101 Tower in (1,667 feet).

Q: WHO HOLDS THE CURRENT WORLD RECORDS THAT FELIX BAUMGARTNER IS PLANNING TO SURPASS? A: No one in history has successfully broken the sound barrier in freefall. As for the other records: in August 1960, the U.S. Air Force project “Excelsior” reached its apex after years of research and testing, as Captain Joe Kittinger jumped from a balloon at 102,800 feet (altitude record for manned balloon flight, altitude record for freefall), reached the speed of 614 mph (speed record for freefall), and sustained his freefall for 4 minutes, 36 seconds (time record for longest freefall).

Joe still holds three of those four records: however, the current altitude record for manned balloon flight was set in May 1961, by Commander Malcolm D. Ross and Lieutenant Commander Victor A. Prather, Jr. of the U.S. Navy, at 113,740 feet. Red Bull Stratos is proud to that Joe Kittinger serves a vital role on the mission team.

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Q. WHO WILL COMMUNICATE WITH FELIX BAUMGARTNER DURING THE MISSION? A. To minimize distractions and ensure that all instructions are crystal clear, radio communications with Felix will be channelled through a single capsule communications (“capcom”) designee at the Mission Control Center. Fittingly, the Red Bull Stratos capcom is Joe Kittinger, the only man ever to have experienced anything close to what Felix Baumgartner will encounter.

Q: FELIX BAUMGARTNER IS AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE WINGS FOR LIFE SPINAL CORD RESEARCH FOUNDATION. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION? A: With the cognizance that spinal cord injury can affect anyone, anywhere – not only persons in extreme endeavors – Felix Baumgartner has for many years been an avid proponent and supporter of Wings for Life. News and information about the privately funded, nonprofit organization, including research projects, trials and surveys, and donation and grant opportunities, is available at http://www.wingsforlife.com.

Q. WHO IS WORKING WITH FELIX BAUMGARTNER TO MAKE THIS MISSION HAPPEN? A: (See separate Mission Team document and individual bios for more on Felix Baumgartner, Joe Kittinger, and other team members.)

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HOW…

Q. IN A NUTSHELL, HOW WILL THE MISSION BE CARRIED OUT? A: The mission will be conducted using a massive, high- altitude scientific balloon (bigger than an American football stadium) and a pressurized capsule. At altitude the capsule will be depressurized and Felix Baumgartner will exit the vessel in a specially modified full-pressure suit.

During freefall it is anticipated that Felix will exceed Mach 1.0 within the first 35 seconds. A specially designed drogue (stabilizing) parachute will available for deployment if necessary to avert spins and excessive Mach speeds. Upon Felix’s landing, a complete medical evaluation by the mission’s expert team will assess the effects of the effort. Physiological and other data tracked throughout the mission, as well as medical protocols, will be documented, and the results will be shared with the scientific and medical community.

Q: HOW IS FELIX BAUMGARTNER PREPARING FOR THIS MISSION? A: Felix Baumgartner’s personalized preparation plan includes training in an altitude chamber to experience the effects of hypoxia (reduced oxygen), hyperventilation and rapid decompression, including the use of a high-altitude pressure suit under various conditions. Felix also trains in a vertical wind tunnel to establish optimal freefall

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position(s) in his pressurized suit. Throughout the months of intensive training Felix is also making test jumps successive altitudes, each attempt taking him higher than the last.

Q. WHAT KINDS OF TESTS WILL BE CONDUCTED BEFORE THE MISSION LAUNCHES? A. The many tests involved in this mission include altitude chamber tests, jump tests of the parachute systems, vertical wind tunnel tests, unmanned balloon flights to assess subsystems like telemetry, GPS, and cameras, and countless smaller tests at the various component fabrication facilities.

Q: WHY DOES FELIX BAUMGARTNER HAVE TO WEAR A SPECIAL PRESSURE SUIT? A: Without a pressure suit, the gases in Felix’s blood and tissues (e.g., nitrogen) would expand dangerously above 62,000 feet – a phenomenon that has been popularly, if inaccurately, described as “boiling.” Felix will wear what is called a “full-pressure” suit to maintain the pressure around his body at a level sufficient to prevent such expansion. The suit will also insulate him from the extremely cold temperatures he will encounter during the freefall phase of the jump, which may be as low as minus 47 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Q: WHAT TYPE OF MATERIAL IS THE HIGH-ALTITUDE BALLOON MADE OF? A: The balloon is constructed of strips of high- performance polyethylene (plastic) film, their seams heat sealed, and polyester load tapes. In this type of massive balloon construction, the film is extraordinarily thin, while the tape carries most of the load. This results in low weight and high strength – the ideal combination for a safe flight.

Q: WHAT IS THE ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE FOR LAUNCH DAY? A: Launch day activities are shaping up like this: the launch of the balloon is planned 30 minutes before dawn, as early morning is typically a calm time for both air traffic and weather conditions. The balloon and the capsule, with Felix Baumgartner inside, will climb over a period of about three hours, entering the stratosphere at approximately an hour into the ascent. At a height of approximately 120,000 feet, Felix will depressurize the capsule and inflate his pressure suit. Then he will open the door, step out onto the platform and jump. Around 35 seconds later, he is expected to reach supersonic speed. The freefall will take approximately five to seven minutes, reaching a speed exceeding Mach 1.0 (supersonic). At 5,000 feet above the ground, the main parachute will deploy automatically, and Felix will continue to descend for roughly 10 minutes, guiding the parachute as necessary for a safe landing. Once Felix is safely on the ground,

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the capsule and balloon will be released to descend for retrieval. The entire flight and descent, including landing of the capsule and balloon, should require less than four hours.

Q: IS THERE AN ON-SITE BASE CAMP TO CONTROL THE OPERATION? A: Yes – a sophisticated Mission Control Center will be the heart of technical operations. There, the ground crew will be able to communicate with Felix Baumgartner (and vice versa) through all phases of this final jump. Besides serving as the base for the ground crew and deployment of Retrieval Teams, this vital hub will control all aspects of the record jump, receiving and documenting GPS, navigation and telemetry data; providing computer support; hosting live video production, radio links and communication; and providing the many additional technical tools and resources required to pull off such an ambitious enterprise.

Q. WHO WILL VERIFY FELIX BAUMGARTNER’S RECORDS? A. To ensure that appropriate procedures are followed and accurate measurements are captured, Felix’s records will be verified by the world’s governing body for air sports and aeronautical world records, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI - World Air Sports Federation). Felix Baumgartner is targeting several records – such as "altitude record for freefall," "speed record for fastest freefall," "time record for longest

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freefall" and "highest manned balloon altitude" – some of which are already officially recognized categories by the FAI. The others, if verified and accepted as anticipated, will be formally recorded for the first time in history.

VIEWING/BROADCAST/MEDIA…

Q: CAN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WATCH THE MISSION ON-SITE? A: On such a challenging and dangerous mission, it’s inadvisable for the production team to allow public involvement at or near the launch location: security is of the essence, and it is critical for the team to maintain focus and concentrate on the complex technical aspects of the endeavor. But because this historic event is not to be missed, the mission’s broadcasting team is preparing for unprecedented television and online coverage.

Q: WILL THIS MISSION BE BROADCAST LIVE? A: Yes. The plan is to broadcast critical moments of the mission day live, worldwide on TV, on the Internet and via the news media. Specially developed, high-tech cameras will serve as the basis for an exceptional audio and television transmission. Breathtaking camera angles and a production in high definition are just some aspects of this impressive broadcast.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Q: WHERE CAN I FIND GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MISSION? A: For more information, please visit www.redbullstratos.com

Q. WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION?

For all requests pertaining to partnership, sponsorship, or similar support for the mission: Christiane Hoffmann, International Project Management (based out of ) Phone: +43 664 8534 220 Email: [email protected]

For all media enquiries: Red Bull Stratos Global Communications & Media Team [email protected] Trish Medalen (US-based): [email protected] /+1 415 302 1400 Ravi Matharu (UK-based): [email protected] / +44 (0)7850 022565

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