Profile of the Late Space Skydiver Felix Baumgartner

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian extreme adventurer, skydiver, and BASE jumper, is widely known for his courageous and challenging feats of human ability.

He made his mark in world history with his iconic jump from the stratosphere, captivating millions of viewers worldwide.

This incredible feat not only broke several world records but also inspired countless others to dare to dream and explore their potential.

The historic jump occurred on October 14, 2012, as part of the ambitious Red Bull Stratos project.

From an altitude of approximately 39 kilometers above the earth's surface, Baumgartner free-falled and landed safely in New Mexico, United States.

This moment marked the culmination of a long career filled with daring and innovative achievements in the world of skydiving and BASE jumping.

Sadly, the legendary journey ended on July 17, 2025, at the age of 56, in a paragliding accident in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy.

Nevertheless, Felix Baumgartner's legacy as a pioneer and inspiration in the world of extreme sports will live on and be remembered by generations to come.

The pinnacle of Felix Baumgartner's phenomenal career was his jump from the stratosphere as part of the Red Bull Stratos project.

On October 14, 2012, he jumped from a capsule suspended by a helium balloon to an altitude of approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) above sea level.

This jump was not just an ordinary freefall, but a scientific and adventure mission that challenged the limits of human physics.In this jump, Felix Baumgartner broke several world records previously considered impossible.

He reached a maximum speed of approximately 1,357.64 km/h (843.6 mph), or Mach 1.25, making him the first person to break the speed of sound in freefall without the aid of a vehicle.

This achievement demonstrated extraordinary physical and mental endurance, as well as precision in complex mission planning.

In addition to the speed record, he also set records for the highest jump distance and the highest freefall height.

The moment he leaped from the capsule and began his freefall was a thrilling global spectacle, witnessed by millions around the world via live broadcast.

This achievement cemented Felix Baumgartner's position as one of the most daring and innovative extreme adventurers of the modern era.

Before his world-famous stratospheric jump, Felix Baumgartner had already built a reputation as a fearless extreme athlete.

He began skydiving at the age of 16 and later joined the Austrian military's demonstration and competition team.

His partnership with Red Bull made him one of the most iconic athletes in the world of extreme sports.

Throughout his career, Felix Baumgartner has achieved numerous incredible feats in BASE jumping and skydiving.

In 1999, he set the record for the highest building jump by jumping from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

His courage was further tested when, in 2003, he became the first person to cross the English Channel using a carbon fiber wing, demonstrating innovation in the sport.

His list of BASE jump records continues to grow, including jumps from the Millau Viaduct (2004) and the Turning Torso building (2006).

In fact, he once performed an unauthorized BASE jump from Taipei 101 (2007), which was then the tallest building in the world, although this stunt resulted in his entry ban from Taiwan.

In total, Felix Baumgartner holds 14 BASE jump world records, making him a pioneer and inspiration for many skydivers worldwide.

In addition to his record-breaking achievements in the air, Felix Baumgartner also realized his dream of becoming a commercial helicopter pilot.

He even trained specifically to become a rescue helicopter pilot, demonstrating his dedication to a profession that requires courage and high skill.

His abilities extend beyond freefalling to mastering complex aerial terrain.

Beyond extreme adventures, Felix Baumgartner is also active in humanitarian work.

He is involved with the Wings For Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation, an organization focused on spinal cord injury research.

Furthermore, he has a personal project called FLY 4 LIFE, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Although Felix Baumgartner died on July 17, 2025, in a paragliding accident, his legacy as a courageous and talented adventurer will live on.

He inspired not only through his records, but also through his passion for challenging limits and dedication to social causes. His story will always serve as a reminder of the extraordinary potential of humankind.