Watch Space Dive

Space Dive is a documentary film that premiered on BBC America in 2012. The film chronicles the journey of Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian parachutist, and extreme athlete, as he attempts to become the first person to break the sound barrier, without any kind of mechanical propulsion, by jumping from the stratosphere.

The documentary is directed by Colin Barr and narrated by actor Jonathan Firth. It follows Baumgartner's journey for three years as he prepares for this extreme challenge, which he calls his "Red Bull Stratos" mission, in partnership with the energy drink company Red Bull. The documentary features interviews with Baumgartner, his team, and scientists who worked on the project, along with footage of various test jumps and simulations.

The film begins with Baumgartner's early life, growing up in a rural Austrian town and his early days of skydiving. It then moves on to his previous jumps, including a previous attempt to break the record of the longest freefall jump in 2003. Baumgartner's passion for extreme sports and his desire to push the limits of what is possible are evident throughout the film.

The documentary then moves on to the main focus of the film, Baumgartner's attempt to break the sound barrier by jumping from the stratosphere. The team behind the mission, consisting of engineers, scientists, and doctors led by mission director Art Thompson, explain the challenges and risks involved in the mission. They also explain the importance of the mission from a scientific perspective, as it provides a unique opportunity to collect data on human physiology in extreme conditions.

Baumgartner and his team spend years preparing for the mission, going through various physical and psychological tests. One of the challenges they face is building a space suit that can withstand the extreme conditions of the stratosphere, including temperatures as low as minus 70 degrees Celsius and low air pressure. The team also works to ensure that Baumgartner is mentally prepared for the jump and can handle the pressure and adrenaline rush of the jump.

The actual jump takes place on October 14, 2012, from a capsule that was lifted to an altitude of approximately 128,000 feet by a helium balloon. Baumgartner ascends for almost two and a half hours in the capsule, preparing himself for the jump. Finally, he steps out of the capsule and jumps, reaching a maximum speed of approximately 834 miles per hour as he falls.

Throughout the jump, the film showcases footage from cameras attached to Baumgartner's suit, as well as from other cameras that capture the jump from various angles. The tension and drama of the jump are evident as viewers watch Baumgartner hurtle through the atmosphere, breaking various records along the way. The documentary also highlights the risks involved in such a jump, as a malfunction of Baumgartner's space suit or parachute could be fatal.

After the successful jump, Baumgartner and his team reflect on the mission and what it means for the future of human exploration and scientific discovery. The documentary ends with footage of Baumgartner being congratulated by his team, as well as by fans around the world who watched his historic feat.

Overall, Space Dive is a thrilling and captivating documentary that provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most daring feats in human history. It showcases the dedication, hard work, and bravery that went into this mission, while also highlighting the importance of pushing the limits of human potential. Whether you are interested in extreme sports, space exploration, or scientific discovery, this documentary is sure to inspire and inform.

Space Dive is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between November 4, 2012 and on BBC America