On 14 October, 2012, Felix Baumgartner ascended to an altitude of 127,851 feet–more than 23 miles above the ground in a specifically-designed stratospheric balloon. Sponsored by Red Bull, the event was seen by millions all over the world, watching with breathless anticipation as the door to the hatch rolled open and Baumgartner stepped out for his parachute jump. […]