Frenchman Michel Fournier is readying himself and equipment to attempt a record-setting free fall from the stratosphere.
Dubbed “The Big Jump”, Fournier is eyeing next month for his supersonic free fall from about 130,000 feet (40 kilometers)—roughly 25 miles above the Earth. The dive from a balloon-carried gondola is slated to take place above the plains of Saskatchewan, Canada.
The 62-year old Fournier is an experienced parachutist, pilot and former military officer. He hopes his ultra-sky dive will contribute to the development of future technologies and the safety of stratospheric flight—specifically by astronauts in high altitude emergencies that are outfitted with the proper survival equipment.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Stratospheric Free Fall
- The opportunity to develop new safety technologies for high altitude emergencies and stratospheric flight.
- Supersonic Skydiving
- The potential for advancements in supersonic travel and extreme sports.
- Balloon-assisted Diving
- The possibility of creating new experiences and tourism opportunities through balloon-assisted diving.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Aerospace
- Disruptive innovation opportunities for developing advanced safety equipment for astronauts and high altitude emergencies.
- Extreme Sports
- The potential for creating new extreme sports experiences and products based on supersonic skydiving.
- Tourism
- The opportunity to attract adventurous tourists with unique balloon-assisted diving experiences.
