The Great Leap

48 years ago, Joe Kittinger (shown above) jumped out of a gondola at 102,000 feet above sea level, and fell to earth. Monday, another guy will try and beat his record.

"He has spent two decades and nearly $20 million in a quest to fly to the upper reaches of the atmosphere with a helium balloon, just so he can jump back to earth again. Now, Michel Fournier says, he is ready at last."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/24/sports/othersports/24jump.html?_r=2&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

A look back at Kittinger's jump:

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Explorers_Record_Setters_and_Daredevils/Kittinger/EX31.htm