Supersonic Skydiver-Speed of Sound

Official: Skydiver breaks speed of sound

By JUAN CARLOS LLORCA
Associated Press
   ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) -- Officials say that Felix Baumgartner has become the
first skydiver to break the speed of sound.
   At a news conference, Brian Utley of the International Federation of Sports
Aviation, says Baumgartner reached a maximum speed of 833.9 mph during his
jump Sunday over the New Mexico desert.
   That amounts to Mach 1.24, which is faster than the speed of sound. No one
has ever reached that speed wearing only a high-tech suit.
   Baumgartner came down safely in the eastern New Mexico desert about nine
minutes after jumping from his capsule 128,097 feet, or roughly 24 miles, above
Earth. He lifted his arms in victory, sending off loud cheers from jubilant onlookers
and friends.
   AP-WF-10-14-12 2104GMT