How does this sound for a headline:
A retired French army colonel is preparing to make a record-breaking attempt…to complete a 1000mph skydive from the edge of space.
So far, to my knowledge, he’s been unable to make this jump because of poor weather conditions, but you can’t blame him, considering how he’s going to go about doing it:
The mission involves ascending in a pressurised capsule suspended from a helium balloon for two and a half hours to the edge of the stratosphere.
and the risks involved:
A re-enforced crash helmet will protect his ears from the thunderous sonic boom he will create as he breaks the sound barrier.
I hope this turns out well, and maybe sets a precedent for astronauts and extreme sports adventurers. If it does work out, it seems like a definite trend for the future.
All did not turn out well, and he was unable to make the jump because his balloon floated off without him.