description Joe Kittinger Overview
Joe Kittinger is a retired US Air Force Colonel and record-breaking skydiver. He famously performed the 'Red Bull Stratos' jump in 2012, ascending to 128,000 feet and breaking several records. While hes no longer actively jumping, his expertise in high-altitude aviation and his contributions to aerospace technology remain significant. He continues to consult on projects involving high-altitude exploration and safety.
Drones are used in his current projects for observation and data collection.
info Joe Kittinger Specifications
| Full Name | Joseph William Kittinger II |
| Affiliation | US Air Force / Red Bull Stratos |
| Famous Jump | Red Bull Stratos (2012) |
| Nationality | American |
| Date Of Birth | August 27, 1928 |
| Jump Altitude | 128,100 ft (39,045 m) |
| Military Rank | Colonel (Retired) |
| Freefall Speed | 843.6 mph (Mach 1.25) |
| Previous Record (1960) | Project Excelsior at 102,800 ft |
balance Joe Kittinger Pros & Cons
- Record holder for highest parachute jump at 128,100 ft (Red Bull Stratos, 2012)
- Pioneering experience from Project Excelsior (1960) proved high-altitude suit viability
- Decades of US Air Force flight experience including combat missions
- Survived a near-fatal 16-mile freefall during a 1960 balloon ascent
- Contributed to the development of modern pressure suit technology
- Charismatic figure bridging 1960s space race science and modern extreme sports
- No longer actively performing jumps or record attempts
- Born 1928 (Age 96), limiting current physical participation in extreme activities
- Primarily recognized for historical achievements rather than recent activity
- Availability for public appearances, interviews, or consulting is likely limited
- Some details of his military service remain classified, leaving gaps in the full profile
help Joe Kittinger FAQ
How high was Joe Kittinger's jump?
Joe Kittinger jumped from 128,100 feet (39,045 meters) during the Red Bull Stratos mission on October 14, 2012. This altitude is roughly equivalent to the edge of space, where the curvature of the Earth is visible and temperatures are extreme.
Is Joe Kittinger still alive?
Yes, Joseph William Kittinger II is alive. Born on August 27, 1928, he is a retired US Air Force Colonel residing in Florida. He remains active in an advisory capacity for aerospace projects.
What records did he break during the Red Bull Stratos jump?
He broke several records including the highest freefall, the highest balloon flight with a human, and the fastest vertical speed (Mach 1.25). Many of these records were later surpassed by Felix Baumgartner in subsequent jumps.
What was Project Excelsior?
Project Excelsior was a 1960 high-altitude balloon jump from 102,800 feet. During this jump, Kittinger lost consciousness, fell for over 4 minutes, and deployed his reserve parachute automatically, proving human survival at extreme altitudes was possible.
What is his military background?
He is a retired US Air Force Colonel with over 16,600 flight hours. He flew combat missions in Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller and held numerous positions in aerospace research and development.
What is Joe Kittinger?
How good is Joe Kittinger?
What are the best alternatives to Joe Kittinger?
What is Joe Kittinger best for?
Aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the limits of human endurance and high-altitude skydiving.
How does Joe Kittinger compare to Zermatt?
Is Joe Kittinger worth it in 2026?
What are the key specifications of Joe Kittinger?
- Full Name: Joseph William Kittinger II
- Affiliation: US Air Force / Red Bull Stratos
- Famous Jump: Red Bull Stratos (2012)
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: August 27, 1928
- Jump Altitude: 128,100 ft (39,045 m)
explore Explore More
Similar to Joe Kittinger
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
