Red Bull Has Been Doing Balloon Work In New Mexico

The 'Red Bull Stratos' stunt may be back on track, as activity involving a stratospheric balloon has been noted in Roswell, NM.

The energy drink company has been talking for years about a skydive from the fringe of space, with the jumper ... Felix Baumgartner (pictured) ... being carried aloft by a balloon similar to the one which was inflated but then collapsed last week in Roswell. Baumgartner would wear a pressure suit, and could free-fall at speeds faster than Mach 1 before being slowed by the thickening atmosphere.

But for now, television station KASA reports that all Red Bull would confirm was that it was "testing technical equipment" in the New Mexico desert. Maddy Zeringue would not say if the tests were connected with the 'Stratos' program.

If Baumgartner makes the jump, he could set several world records, including fastest free-fall, highest manned balloon flight, and longest free-fall, which could last as long as 5 and a half minutes.

So what's been keeping Red Bull and Baumgartner from attempting the stunt? A law suit, of course. Austrian promoter Daniel Hogan said Red Bull stole his idea, and sued to prevent the attempt from taking place. That lawsuit was quietly settled in July. No details were offered as to the terms of the agreement.

FMI: www.redbullstratos.com