Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Space Dive (working title), an exclusive Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ documentary, is set to follow Felix Baumgartner, elite BASE jumper, as he freefalls from space, shattering world records.

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two has the behind-the-scenes story of Felix's two-year preparations to jump from 125,000 feet; a height that will qualify him as the first person to break the sound barrier in a freefall jump from the edge of Space.

Gary Hunter, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ executive producer, says: "This is a fascinating blend of scientific challenge and human endeavour."

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two will chart Felix's arduous training as he readies his body and his mind for a difficult task that will push the human body to its limit.

Working with him along the way will be a team of the world's leading space scientists and US Air Force veteran Joe Kittinger, who, in 1960, jumped from 102,800 feet, and must watch as Felix attempts to claim his crown.

The documentary will follow Felix's solo journey to the edge of Space with the aid of just a balloon, and his attempts to freefall back to Earth.

Reaching record-shattering speeds of more than 690mph (Mach 1) in just 35 seconds, breaking the sound barrier without propulsion and creating a human sonic boom on his way back to Earth, Felix will put his body through the most arduous and life-threatening conditions ever experienced in freefall.

The momentous dive, staged by Red Bull, will be achieved with support from a wide team of scientists, engineers and medics who have worked for organisations including NASA and the US Air Force.

It is hoped that the historic jump will answer a number of important scientific questions.

Felix's record-breaking jump is due to take place in North America, later this year.

The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ/National Geographic Channel co-production (1 x 90-minutes) will be aired shortly after the jump.

Space Dive (working title) is part of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's 2010 celebration of science.

Notes to Editors

Throughout 2010 the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is celebrating its ongoing commitment to science, bringing together a wealth of TV and radio science programmes, online initiatives, regional roadshows and learning campaigns to inspire a love of science across the nation. As the Royal Society celebrates its 350th anniversary year, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ will be broadcasting a range of landmark TV and radio series in the heart of the schedule that will explore contemporary science subjects, whilst also delving into the history of a subject that has shaped the world in which we live.

TV highlights include: landmark series The Story Of Science (Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two), an epic exploration of hundreds of years of scientific developments presented by Michael Mosley; Seven Wonders Of The Solar System (Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two), a spectacular and engaging journey around the Universe led by Professor Brian Cox (Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two); and Beautiful Minds (Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four), which meets science's leading minds to find out the story behind their great discoveries. And, in spring 2010, Bang Goes The Theory, the popular Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One science show, returns.

VAA

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