Mission aborted: Daredevil's death-defying 23-mile leap from space postponed due to winds

Because the balloon is so delicate, it could only take flight if winds were 2mph or below.

At sunrise, winds at 700 feet above ground - the top of the balloon - were 20mph.

But with winds calming, they began the launch process, with 43-year-old Baumgartner suiting up and entering the capsule.

A statement from organisers Red Bull Stratos said: "The balloon inflation had begun, and then gusty winds picked up and made a launch impossible.

"At this stage the mission team is closely monitoring possible new launch days before a green light is given for another countdown."

When it goes ahead, Baumgartner will make a nearly three-hour ascent to 120,000 feet, then take a bunny-style hop from a pressurised capsule into a near-vacuum where there is barely any oxygen to begin what is expected to be the fastest, farthest free-fall from the highest-ever manned balloon.

Read more [link to www.mirror.co.uk]

Last Edited by smilesun on 10/09/2012 03:27 PM