World renowned skydiver and BASE jumper Felix Baumgartner is to attempt to become the first person to break the sound barrier in freefall as he leaps from the edge of space at 120,000 feet.

The mission, known as Red Bull Stratos, is an attempt to exceed the existing record of 102,800 feet from above the Earth's surface, set by US Captain Joe Kittinger in 1960, and will see him reach supersonic speeds. Since his Kittinger's achievement, which contributed valuable data setting the groundwork for America's first space program, many have tried to surpass his incredible feat, but none have succeeded, some have even died.

Baumgartner has already broke many death-defying records, but this is his toughest challenge yet as he pushes human limits in one of the most hostile environments known to mankind.