RED BULL STRATOS Frequently Asked Questions

January 2010

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CONTENTS

WHAT, pages 4-8

Q. What is Red Bull Stratos?

Q. Where did the name �Red Bull Stratos� 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 Felix Baumgartner, 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?

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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 balloon

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 airplane�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 sound barrier 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 Dietrich Mateschitz, who, as an aviation

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 parachute

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

helicopter 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 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (a

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terrifyingly low 95 feet, requiring split-second

timing);

making the first jump off what is currently the world�s

tallest building, 101 Tower in Taipei (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 Austria)

Phone: +43 664 8534 220 Email: christiane.hoffmann@at.redbull.com For all media enquiries: Red Bull Stratos Global Communications & Media Team media@redbullstratos.com Trish Medalen (US-based): trish.medalen@redbullstratos.com /+1 415 302 1400 Ravi Matharu (UK-based): ravi.matharu@redbullstratos.com / +44 (0)7850 022565