How could some of these technologies be applied to other situations?
Some of these technologies could be applied to other situations such as astronomers going on missions to outer space. In that case, the intensive stratus suit would be really helpful. The fully pressurized suit was tested to withstand temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit and, more importantly in Baumgartner’s case, as low as -90 degrees Fahrenheit. This could be very beneficial to astronomers if they are planning to go to outer space or any other risky planets in the future. In addition, the red bull stratos capsule can be used in racecars when racers are on their mission. It’s made of a fiberglass and epoxy “pressure sphere,” which will protect them in the cars. Finally, the chest pack and the HD cameras can be used in the above situations as well as other significant world record hikes so that these significant events can be properly documented. Many times we often have brave souls who are ready and skilled to take these risks like Baumgartner did, but because of the lack of highly equipped technologies, it is not possible. Who knows, maybe this could lead to history’s turning point.
Why was a specialized parachute needed for the jump?
A specialized parachute was needed for the jump in case if Baumgartner had spiraled out of control in addition to the depth and intensity of the 128,100 feet above earth leap. It had specialized key features especially for this jump and in case of any emergencies. This parachute was an amazement to technology which took five years to make. It was the first personal parachute ever used for a supersonic-speed fall; it weighs 60 pounds, or three times as much as a normal parachute. It included a “drogue chute” that could have deployed if Baumgartner began spinning out of control. He had a button on one of his gloves that would have caused the chute to open if he held it down for three seconds. That parachute (which is separate from the regular emergency chute) also would have deployed if it was being hit by unexpectedly high levels of pressure for more than six seconds. His rig also included a button to cut the emergency parachute.
Fahima A. Salina
