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Meindl in Space
“Sometimes you have to climb high to see how little you are” (Felix Baumgartner 14th Oct 2012)
Felix Baumgartner- Project Stratos, mission to the Edge of Space!
Meindl has first boot to break the sound barrier at 1,342 kph
Millions of spectators watched Felix Baumgartner jump from space on the 14th of October 2012- but it was also a very special day for the Meindl company, as Lukas Meindl with Felix Baumgartner had developed his space boots. “When Felix contacted me 2007 and explained his idea, I was immediately excited.” Explains Lukas Meindl, director of Meindl.“
Especially, the technical side it was a big challenge for our team.” The boots had to protect against extreme cold, sometimes down to – 60° C during the ascent. The biggest challenge was to adapt the boot to his feet. Whilst Felix was in the space capsule there was no problem as the pressure was regulated. Once he left the capsule the whole pressure system changed in the space suit and the boot had to follow the changes in volume and ensure that there were not any pressure points. And even though the boot was not visible under the space suit, Felix knew exactly what they should look like.
Many hours of planning and production were put into this boot, which Felix Baumgartner used for his mission on the 14th October 2012 during which he achieved 3 world records. Felix Baumgartner was at a height of 39,045m and therefore the highest manned balloon flight. He reached supersonic speed, the longest free-fall and the highest balloon flight with a human being making 3 world records. With him the Meindl “Stratos”, the first boot ever to reach supersonic speed, at 1,342 kph.
This unforgettable story of success was down to perfect planning, preparation and excellent cooperation from the whole Meindl and flight team leading to the achievement for Felix Baumgartner, and this unforgettable story of success.
During this year’s ISPO outdoor show in Munich, Felix Baumgartner received the ISPO Award 2013 and returned back to Lukas Meindl, the hand signed and much prized Meindl Stratos boots.
