On Aug. 16, 1960, then Capt. Kittinger stepped from a balloon-supported gondola at the altitude of 102,800 feet (31,300 meters). In freefall for 4.5 minutes at speeds up to 614 mph and temperatures as low as -94 degrees Fahrenheit, he opened his parachute at 18,000 feet. (U.S. Air Force photo)