Definition

Speed Tracking is a skydiving discipline named by Marc Hauser.
That means flying forward (Tracking) as fast as possible while being in free fall without wearing a wingsuit. The skydiver is just wearing a normal skydiving suit.

• Goal: Flying forward in freefall as fast as possible by using the jet stream as a tailwind!
• Raise awareness about the untapped clean energy potential of the jet stream.
• Event: First human flight (skydive) inside the jet stream.
• Skydiving suit: No wingsuit, just a normal skydiving suit.
• Skydiver: World record Holder Marc Hauser
• Aircraft: Hot air balloon
• Altitude: approx. 34,000ft / 10'000m above sea level
• Temperature: -50° Celsius/ -58 °F
• Wind speed: +80kn | +150 km/h (hopefully even faster)
• Expected forward ground speed: +200 m/ph | +320 km/h
• Place: Australia
• Date: June-August 2018
• International media partners

Bill Gates has talked about a "miracle" that could satisfy global energy consumption: In our mission we will use this untapped source of clean energy to establish a horizontal skydiving speed record of up to 200mph (320 km/h) at the jet stream altitude of 34.000ft (10'000 m).
Help shape the future by supporting the adventure and the production of an awe inspiring documentary. We will promote development of wind power technology all over the world.

High-altitude wind power could be the answer to our energy problems.
Just a small part of the jet stream power could make the job.
There are innovative companies like TWINGTEC  and Skypull involved in this new business field.
They do not reach jet stream altitude yet. But it's a first step towards a brighter future.

For our documentary we also visited the Weathermuseum near Berlin, Germany. They still hold the high altitude world record for kites at jet stream levels of 31.955ft | 9740m.

The record was set in 1919. Imagine: This world record kite reached jet stream altitude!
In 2016 Bill Gates mentioned the jet stream as one of the "energy miracles" of the future.

Marc Hauser is the current World Record holder in Speed Tracking, 189 miles per hour (304 km/h)

The Record was set in October 2012.
Marc is now planning his next exploration in the sky. And he is about to set a new World Record that has never been seen before.

Exploring the limits of what is humanly possible.

Marc Hauser's discipline "Speed Tracking" is flying in a suit with no wings at all.

In 2018 we will push the envelope.

 Skydiving can be dangerous.
But skydiving from above 30.000 feet is even more risky.

We have to deal with

• low density air and oxygene levels - danger of hypoxia
• temperatures below -50° Celsius/ -58 °F
• commercial and military airplanes at these flight levels
• and heavy winds - that's what we are looking for

It all comes down to mass when you want to accelerate in freefall.
That's why I had to gain weight. By the way, that was one of the best parts of the adventure.
Now with my giant size of 200cm/ 6'7'' and my 110kg/ 242 lbs I am a living cannonball.
I am by far not the best skydiver. But my body makes me pretty fast.
As a good skydiver you could try to catch me in freefall. But it could be physically impossible.

With 20 years of experience as a glider pilot and single engine pilot I have a good understanding of aerodynamics. And my Swiss bullhead gives me the mental power and will to succeed.

Claudio von Planta is our Swiss cameraman, director and filmmaker.
His best known work is as the cameraman who accompanied Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman on their Long Way Round motorcycle journey eastward from London to New York in 2004 and Long Way Down from Scotland to South Africa in 2007.

In Australia we will fly with our hot-air balloon in formation with 2 military training jets.
Steve Gale will be our pilot and chief aviation officer in the sky. Have a look at his jets in action:

This World Record attempt will take place over Australia in 2018.

The air adventure will be broadcasted by global news and media companies.

Do you want to be a part of our project?
Here we go: The Speed-Tracking Newsletter
Keep checking in for the latest news on this exploration.

Marc Hauser is a team member of the Swiss based STEM Foundation explore-it.
Technology at school

The explore-it materials and tasks enable young people to be technically innovative at school.

Find out for yourself: explore-it: ... explore, ... invent, ...and more

Have a look at some pictures of the promotion tour in the USA in 2015:
New York City | Washington | Maryland | San Francisco | Silicon Valley

"In 2018 I will be back in US schools - with an amazing story from the sky..."
Marc Hauser