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Joe Kittinger

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description Joe Kittinger Overview

Joseph Kittinger was a command pilot in the United States Air Force who made significant contributions to aerospace medicine and high-altitude ballooning. As part of Project Excelsior in 1960, he completed a record-setting parachute jump from a helium balloon at an altitude of over 102,000 feet. This historical record for the highest skydive stood unbroken for more than 50 years until it was surpassed by Felix Baumgartner in 2012. Kittinger also served as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War and was the first person to complete a solo balloon flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

help Joe Kittinger FAQ

What was Joe Kittinger's famous skydive record?

In 1960, Joe Kittinger set the historical record for the highest skydive from a helium balloon. He jumped from an altitude of 102,800 feet as part of Project Excelsior.

How long did Joe Kittinger's skydive record stand?

His incredible high-altitude jump record stood for over 50 years. It was finally broken by Felix Baumgartner in 2012 during the Red Bull Stratos project, which Kittinger helped supervise.

What Air Force project was Joe Kittinger a part of when he made his jump?

He conducted his famous jump as a test for Project Excelsior. The US Air Force project was designed to test whether a parachute system could save pilots ejecting from extremely high altitudes.

Did Joe Kittinger serve in the Vietnam War?

Yes, he flew over 400 combat missions during the Vietnam War. He was shot down and spent 11 months as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam before being repatriated.