‘Supersonic skydive could break history’
Telegram & Gazette | NECN | Channel 3 | Boston Herald
Photo by: Rob Carlin
Matthew Koss, professor of physics at the College of the Holy Cross, weighed in on Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner attempt to break the sound barrier in his 23-mile-plunge from the edge of space to the Earth. Koss told various media outlets that the stunt presents a number of challenges but there’s no new technological innovation that will be used. Koss said the descent itself will probably be the trickiest. He explained that the drop will build up tremendous energy and heat, which Baumgartner must work to dissipate.
He also explained that the suit he will be wearing, which was made here in Worcester at the David Clark Co., will do much of the work. “But he does have to control his body so he doesn’t start spinning,” he says. “He could spin so quickly, he could black out or do some damage to his eyes.”
The jump was postponed due to high winds.
News coverage:
Telegram & Gazette, Oct. 9: Worcester’s David Clark Co. a key player in record plunge
NECN, Oct. 9: Supersonic skydive could break history
NECN/Channel 3, Oct. 9: Worcester, Mass. company plays key role in skydiver’s record
Boston Herald, Oct. 10: Delay deflates Worcester company’s joy
This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Cristal Steuer.