Watch Space Dive

Space Dive is a thrilling documentary film that tells the story of Felix Baumgartner's incredible attempt to break the world record for the highest skydive in history, while also exploring the science and technology that made such an endeavor possible. The film opens with a brief history of manned balloon flights, tracing their origins back to the late 18th century and detailing some of the most notable records set over the years. It then introduces us to Baumgartner, an Austrian skydiver and BASE jumper who has spent his entire life pushing the limits of human potential. We learn about his background, his motivations, and the intense training regimen he has undergone to prepare for his upcoming jump.

The heart of the film, of course, is the actual jump itself. We follow Baumgartner as he ascends into the stratosphere aboard a helium-filled balloon, wearing a specially designed suit that will protect him from the extreme conditions he will encounter at such high altitude. Along the way, we get a sense of the technological challenges involved in creating such a suit, as well as the communication systems and safety measures necessary to keep Baumgartner alive during his descent.

When Baumgartner finally reaches his target altitude of 128,000 feet, the tension is palpable. We watch as he makes his final preparations, taking a deep breath and stepping out of the capsule into the vast emptiness of space. As he begins his freefall, hurtling towards the Earth at nearly 840 miles per hour, we are treated to some truly breathtaking footage of the curvature of the planet below – a view that only a handful of humans have ever been lucky enough to witness.

The drama doesn't end when Baumgartner deploys his parachute, either. We see how the team on the ground must work together to track his position, monitor his vital signs, and ensure that he lands safely on the ground. We also get a sense of the emotional impact of the jump on all involved, from the intense relief and jubilation of Baumgartner and his team to the awe and wonder of the millions of people around the world who have been following the event.

Throughout the film, we hear from a range of experts and commentators who help us better understand the science and engineering behind the jump. We learn about the challenges of working in a near-vacuum environment, the physics of terminal velocity, and the various ways that Baumgartner's body is affected by the extreme conditions he experiences. We also hear from Baumgartner himself, who reflects on the mental fortitude and sheer force of will required to complete such a feat.

In addition to the technical details, Space Dive also offers a glimpse into Baumgartner's personal life and the broader cultural significance of his achievement. We learn about the impact that his jump had on the world of extreme sports, as well as its potential as a tool for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. We also get a sense of the profound sense of accomplishment felt by Baumgartner and his team, as they reflect on the months and years of hard work that went into making the space dive a reality.

Overall, Space Dive is a truly thrilling and inspiring film that showcases the very best of human innovation and determination. Whether you are a fan of extreme sports, science and technology, or simply good storytelling, this documentary is well worth a watch.

Space Dive is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.