Watch Mission to the Edge of Space: The Inside Story of Red Bull Stratos

Mission to the Edge of Space: The Inside Story of Red Bull Stratos is a 2014 documentary film that chronicles the journey of Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner as he attempts to break the world record for the highest ever skydive. The film takes viewers behind the scenes of the Red Bull Stratos project, providing a detailed account of the challenges the team faced in their quest to push the limits of human courage and engineering.

The movie begins with the background of the project, explaining how it all started and the goals of the mission. We learn about Felix Baumgartner, a former Austrian soldier and skydiver, who has been selected to pilot the mission after rigorous testing and training. The documentary gives us an in-depth look at the painstaking preparations that went into the project, including the design of Baumgartner's custom-made space suit and the extensive testing of the pressure vessel that would protect him during his ascent to the edge of space.

The film then takes us through the launch and ascent of Baumgartner's capsule, as it rises over 38 kilometers (24 miles) into the stratosphere, to the very edge of space. The excitement of the moment is palpable, as Baumgartner prepares to make history.

Once he reaches the target altitude, Baumgartner embarks on his death-defying jump. The documentary's cameras capture every moment, from Baumgartner's exit from the capsule to his initial freefall, as he breaks the sound barrier and plunges towards Earth. The tension is almost unbearable, as viewers watch and wonder if he will make it back to the ground safely.

Throughout the film, the audience also gains insight into the various scientific experiments that were conducted during the mission. Baumgartner was not just attempting a daredevil stunt, but was also performing valuable research that could have important implications for space transportation and exploration. The documentary provides a detailed and fascinating look at some of the cutting-edge technologies that were used in the project, such as the high-altitude balloons that carried Baumgartner's capsule into space and the telemetry systems that relayed crucial data back to mission control.

The movie also features interviews with the key players involved in the mission, including Baumgartner himself and the project's lead engineer, Art Thompson. Through these interviews, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and risks involved in the mission, as well as the tremendous commitment and dedication that it took to make it happen.

Overall, Mission to the Edge of Space: The Inside Story of Red Bull Stratos is an exciting and informative documentary that provides a fascinating look into one of the most audacious feats of human daring and engineering of our time. Even if you already know the outcome of the mission, the film is still a thrilling and inspiring tribute to the courage and ingenuity that drive human exploration and discovery.

Mission to the Edge of Space: The Inside Story of Red Bull Stratos is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes.