60 years ago today, U.S. Air Force Capt. Joseph W. Kittinger made a record-setting high altitude parachute jump, stepping from a balloon-supported gondola at the altitude of 102,800 ft. In free fall for 4 minutes and 36 seconds at speeds up to 614 mph, he opened his parachute at 17,500 ft.
Kittinger set world records for the highest parachute jump, longest parachute free fall, and the fastest speed by a human being through the atmosphere. He also set the record for the highest ascent in an open gondola.