Alan Eustace: I leapt from the stratosphere. Here's how I did it

The speaker, inspired by his aerospace engineer father and the Apollo program, explores the possibility of lingering in the stratosphere. After consulting with experts, he develops a stratospheric suit with ILC Dover, known for Apollo suits. The suit, lighter and simpler than a capsule, allows a successful balloon ascent to 135,890 feet and a safe descent. The speaker highlights the importance of teamwork and innovative parachute technology, reflecting on the project's impact on his family and personal growth.

What aspect of the Apollo program most impressed the speaker?

• The size of the spacecraft

• The astronauts' bravery

• The engineering involved

• The speed of the rockets

What was the main question the speaker wanted to explore about the stratosphere?

• How to build a rocket to reach it

• How to photograph it from space

• How to linger and explore it

• How to measure its temperature

Who did the speaker collaborate with to develop the stratospheric suit?

• NASA engineers

• Taber MacCallum

• A team of astronauts

• A group of scuba divers

What was a key advantage of the stratospheric suit over a capsule?

• It weighed less

• It had more oxygen

• It was more colorful

• It was faster

What was the speaker's main concern during the ascent in the balloon?

• The balloon bursting

• Losing communication with ground control

• Staying relaxed and conserving oxygen

• Running out of fuel

What was the purpose of the drogue parachute during the descent?

• To provide extra oxygen

• To signal ground control

• To stabilize the descent

• To increase speed

What did the speaker emphasize as crucial for the success of the mission?

• Advanced technology

• Favorable weather

• A large budget

• A dedicated team

What was the speaker's daughter's reaction to his achievement?

• She was indifferent

• She was inspired

• She was worried

• She was confused

What lesson did the speaker learn from his daughter's comment?

• Nothing is truly impossible

• Technology is unreliable

• Success requires luck

• Failure is inevitable

What did the speaker's wife appreciate about his tests?

• The financial benefits

• The media attention

• His happiness after each test

• The safety measures