Aug. 16, 1960: Kittinger makes record-setting parachute jump

On this day—Aug. 16, 1960—Joseph Kittinger parachuted from a balloon over New Mexico at 102, 800 ft. The records he set—for high altitude jumping, free fall, and highest speed by a human without an aircraft—held until 2012. The jump was part of Project Excelsior, a series of parachute jumps intended to test the Beaupre multi-stage parachute system. The Beaupre system was designed for pilots to use after ejecting from high altitudes to descend in a safe, controlled manner.

During his jump, Kittinger had to wear a full pressure suit and additional layers of clothing intended to protect him from the cold temperatures of higher altitudes. Combined with the parachute system he had to wear, his gear almost doubled his weight. Through his work on Project Excelsior, Kittinger was able to prove that it was possible for an air crew to descend safely at high altitudes. He was awarded the C.B. Harmon Trophy by President Eisenhower as a reward for his efforts.