High-altitude balloonist and parachute pioneer Joe Kittinger recalls stories from his career at the forefront of aeronautical research. After discussing his happy childhood, Kittinger explores his early career as a research and development test pilot during the 1950s and 1960s. He swiftly specialised in aero-medical projects, including studies on the effect on humans in zero gravity, during rapid deceleration and in high-altitude escape; such projects led him to jump from the edge of space and break the longest parachute freefall record; a height of 102,800 feet. He also led Operation Stargazer, which used aircraft to look at stars above the atmosphere and discusses why he decided not to volunteer for the U.S. space programme.

After flying 483 combat missions in Vietnam, Kittinger became the first person to fly across the Atlantic in a hot air balloon solo and went on to support the Red Bull Stratos team that finally broke his 52-year-old freefall parachuting record.

Col. Kittinger was interviewed by Lt Col Lance Annicelli USAF (Ret) FRAeS in 2019 and the podcast was edited by Mike Stanberry FRAeS.