When Felix Baumgartner became the first person to break the sound barrier in free fall on Oct. 14, more than 20 cameras followed his descent from the edge of space to a desert in New Mexico. That footage highlights this documentary, which also chronicles the years of preparation that preceded the feat, including test jumps, Baumgartner’s physical and aptitude training, and the construction of the pressure suit that enabled him to survive 700-mph-plus speed and the near vacuum of Earth’s stratosphere. Sunday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m., National Geographic Channel
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
An ingredient in Coca-Cola may be funding Sudan's warUnder the Radar Global trade in gum arabic centres on the African nation – and proceeds bankroll conflict between the army and paramilitary rebels
-
Homes for multi-generational familiesFeature Featuring a 1900 Jacobean-style mansion in Massachusetts and a 22.5-acre compound in California
-
The Week contest: Foot PSAPuzzles and Quizzes
