When I first heard about Red Bull Stratos and Felix Baumgartner's jump, I thought it was absolutely cool. What I didn't realize at first was what it meant for the people involved and for the effect it will have on humanity.
Honestly there are thousands of people who are just learning about this historic event today, but in all honesty this will be known in the history books for many years. It isn't even some kind of crazy stunt, this is something that science and technology have made possible through human endurance and creativity. It shows that with the right imagination and ingenuity, great things can be accomplished. Some people go their whole lives wanting to see something spectacular. This is one of those events, and because of the advancements in internet software and technology, millions were able to watch this event happen live and experience the awe and wonder of what was happening.
Many of us will never know the thrill of jumping out of a plane with a parachute or riding a rocket to outer space or even know the joy that is climbing to the top of Mt. Everest. But because of the advancements in social media, we are able to see a world record set from 120,000 feet in the air by a brave human being willing to push the limits of human endurance and do something only one other person has done before.
This a great event for humanity. Not because of what happened, but what it means for all of us. You can achieve something great, if you're willing to do the work.
Mission complete: Red Bull Stratos lands safely back on Earth
'Fearless Felix' Falls 24 Miles To Earth
Daredevil to attempt supersonic skydive - NBCNews.com
Felix Baumgartner's supersonic freefall from 128k' - Mission Highlights
