The winds would not cooperate here. At the launch site this morning they were gauged at 9-10 mph. They really need it to be calmer -- 6-7 mph. Otherwise the balloon could be popped
They gave the go-ahead to inflate the balloon after 6am and then decided to stop it because the winds were too great and were hoping winds would die down but it didn't happen.
Felix Baumgartner is attempting to float in a helium filled balloon up to near the edge of space -- 90,000 feet. It would be the second highest jump ever.
The record is 102,000 feet and Baumgartner is trying to beat that record in August, this being a prep jump for that.
Once they inflate the balloon, they cannot use it again. They have a backup but they'd rather not waste this one.
Most everyone has their fingers crossed, including the man who holds the record for the jump from the highest altitude ever.
"I say Godspeed, Felix. My heart rate is the same as his. If his heart rate is 150, mine is 150," said jumper Joe Kittinger. "I'm just excited as he is standing in his step. If he decided he didn't want to do it, I'll go. I'm ready."
Once they get up, it will take about an hour and a half for the balloon to take Baumgartner and the capsule up to 90,000 feet. Once he jumps, he will hit speeds of over 500 miles per hour before pulling the rip cord and gliding back to earth about 20 to 30 miles west of Roswell.
Organizers are looking at tomorrow as a possibility.
ABC13 reporter Kevin Quinn will be at the jump and will have live reports on Eyewitness News.
