Published: 24 Feb 2013 09:03 GMT+01:00 | Print version
Updated: 24 Feb 2013 09:03 GMT+01:00
The Swiss-based World Air Sports Federation on Friday confirmed that Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner broke three world records when he jumped from the edge of space in October.
The federation, also known as the FAI, said Baumgartner notched up the world's maximum vertical speed record, as well as the highest exit altitude and vertical distance of freefall.
The FAI confirmed a final analysis by Baumgartner's team Red Bull Stratos, which said that the 43-year-old reached 1,357.6 kilometres (843.6 miles) an hour, or Mach 1.25, in freefall.
Baumgartner's jump took place last October 14 in Roswell in the US state of New Mexico.
He was first carried up in a pressurised capsule attached to a helium balloon to an altitude of 38,969.4 metres (127,852.4 feet).
Wearing a specially-designed survival suit, he launched himself to Earth, freefalling 36,402.6 metres before opening his parachute.
"By breaking these world records, Felix adds his names to the list of FAI world record holders which includes prestigious air sport personalities such as Charles Lindbergh, Yuri Gagarin and, more recently, Bertrand Piccard and Steve Fossett," the federation underlined.
China's Premier Li Keqiang has slammed the European Union for plans to probe the country's telecom products and impose taxes on its solar panels, Chinese state media reported on Saturday. READ () »
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday hailed a free trade deal with Switzerland as a landmark achievement, saying it had "huge meaning" for global trade and underscored Beijing's growing openness to the world. READ () »
Steffan Millius grips his sword and makes his way through the throngs of people crowding into Appenzell's central square to take part in Switzerland's famous direct democracy in perhaps its purest form. READ () »
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The sailboat of Swiss explorer and adventurer Mike Horn was ordered seized by a Marseille court in a southern French port over a dispute involving a naval architect, according to a media report. READ () »
Geneva cantonal police raided eight erotic massage parlours on Tuesday for an investigation into tax fraud allegedly amounting to several million francs. READ () »
A diamond necklace from Geneva jeweller De Grisogono worth 2.5 million francs was reported stolen from Cannes on Thursday, just days after thieves made off with 1.4 million francs' worth of bling from Chopard, another jeweller from the Swiss city. READ () »
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sees a looming free-trade deal with Switzerland as a touchstone for Beijing's growing ties with foreign nations, he told a Swiss newspaper on Thursday ahead of a landmark visit to Europe. READ () »
Whether you have ever or never visited the Netherlands, the country that crowned a new monarch this year is also celebrating a wealth of special jubilees in its popular capital. Here’s the lowdown on why Amsterdam is the place to be in 2013. READ () »
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