## What is the World Record for the Highest Skydive?
Skydiving is an extreme sport in which people jump from an aircraft and freefall towards the ground. The highest skydive ever recorded was performed by Alan Eustace, who jumped from a height of 135,890 feet (41,419 meters) on October 24, 2014.
### How Did Alan Eustace Break the World Record for the Highest Skydive?
Eustace broke the previous world record for the highest skydive, which was held by Felix Baumgartner, who jumped from a height of 128,100 feet (39,045 meters) in 2012. Eustace’s jump was part of a project called StratEx, which was funded by Google.
The StratEx project was designed to test new technologies for high-altitude skydiving. Eustace’s jump was the first to use a specially designed suit that allowed him to survive the extreme conditions of high altitude.
### The Challenges of High-Altitude Skydiving
Skydiving from high altitudes is extremely dangerous. The air is very thin at high altitudes, which can cause hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) and altitude sickness. The cold temperatures at high altitudes can also cause frostbite and hypothermia.
In addition, the speed of a skydiver increases as they fall. At high altitudes, skydivers can reach speeds of over 800 miles per hour (1,300 kilometers per hour). This can put a lot of stress on the body, and can lead to injuries or even death.
### Eustace’s Skydive
Eustace’s skydive was meticulously planned and executed. He wore a specially designed suit that protected him from the extreme conditions of high altitude. He also used a parachute that was designed to open at a very high altitude.
Eustace’s jump lasted for 15 minutes and 30 seconds. He reached a maximum speed of 822 miles per hour (1,322 kilometers per hour). He landed safely in the desert in New Mexico.
### The Significance of Eustace’s Skydive
Eustace’s skydive was a major scientific achievement. It proved that it is possible to skydive from very high altitudes. The technology that Eustace used could also be used to develop new ways to explore space.
Eustace’s skydive also inspired people around the world. It showed that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
### List of the Highest Skydives Ever Recorded
1. Alan Eustace: 135,890 feet (41,419 meters)
2. Felix Baumgartner: 128,100 feet (39,045 meters)
3. Michel Fournier: 113,710 feet (34,668 meters)
4. Joe Kittinger: 102,800 feet (31,333 meters)
5. Malcolm Ross and Vic Tews: 93,000 feet (28,346 meters)
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