Breaking Christian News

Space Jump: the Beauty of Earth and the Grace of God

Aimee Herd : Oct 16, 2012
Tom Leonard, Jill Reilly – Daily Mail

"Trust me, when you stand up there on top of the world, you become so humble." –Felix Baumgartner

EDITOR'S NOTE: Thus far I have not seen any clear indication that Felix Baumgartner does or does not have a faith in God. However, his amazing leap from the edge of Earth's atmosphere, and the photos and video that chronicled it, give God glory just the same in my mind. This daredevil could easily have continued the lethal-spin he'd entered into, to his death. But by the grace and the hand of God, he kept consciousness and the spin eventually stopped. I sincerely hope that as he looks back on this historic jump, he will recognize that and embrace the One who stopped his spin and brought him safely back to terra firma. –Aimee Herd, BCN.

Being a bit of a space-enthusiast, I've been very interested in the record-breaking jump attempt by Felix Baumgartner, from the edge of space.

After having his daredevil leap delayed by weather last week, the green light was given on Sunday, and Baumgartner—suited up like an astronaut—climbed into his tiny (by comparison) capsule. His ultra-light helium balloon carried the capsule 24 miles above the desert in New Mexico, taking about 2 ½ hours to reach the jumping point.

Space juump On the video taken from his jumping point, one can see the incredible beauty of this planet on which we live. The breathtaking view of Earth and its deep azure blue atmospheric aura is remarkable. God has so blessed us here! (Photo: AP)

At 128,177 feet above Earth, Baumgartner went through his checklist, then stood on the precipice of his capsule, put out his arms, and stepped off.

"Trust me," Baumgartner told reporters later, "when you stand up there on top of the world, you become so humble. It's not about breaking records anymore; it's not about getting scientific data. The only thing you want is to come back alive."

Making it back in one piece became a real concern to those back at Mission Control, who were monitoring the historic feat, when Felix began picking up massive speed as he went into a "death-spin," head over heels.

According to new reports, he could have experienced severe headache, shortness of breath, mental confusion, unconsciousness or even burst eyeballs from the building pressure. But, after some very tense moments, Felix was able to maneuver into a skydive position, regaining control—much to the delight of his mother, who was watching her son live at Mission Control.

Felix on knees Applause and laughter of relief spread through the room as Baumgartner's parachute opened, and he eventually landed on the New Mexico desert floor, on his feet. (Photo: AP)

He promptly fell to his knees.

Felix Baumgartner broke records with his terrifying jump, hitting mach 1.24 and breaking the sound barrier. His freefall lasted only 4 minutes and 20 seconds.

Watch the amazing video, both from his head-cam and from exterior video shots, as well as beautiful photos shared in the Daily Mail report, by following the link provided.