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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Team decides against Thursday supersonic skydive

Jeri Clausing Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner hopes to make a second attempt at a supersonic skydive over New Mexico on Sunday or Monday.

Baumgartner aborted his mission Tuesday due to high winds, and his team had hoped the weather Thursday would allow him another try then. But now they’re looking at the next break in weather being Sunday or Monday.

Baumgartner is hoping to become the first skydiver to break the sound barrier by jumping from a capsule floated 23 miles into the stratosphere by 55-story helium balloon.

The jump was postponed due to wind Monday, then aborted at the last minute because of wind gusts Tuesday.

The balloon is so delicate that it can take off only if winds on the ground are 2 mph or less.