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In this Thursday, March 15, 2012 photo provided by Red Bull Stratos, Felix Baumgartner prepares to jump during the first manned test flight for Red Bull Stratos over Roswell, N.M. (AP Photo/Red Bull Stratos, Jay Nemeth)

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Skydiver fell faster than thought

'Fearless Felix' reached 843.6 mph on descent

Updated: Monday, 04 Feb 2013, 2:13 PM EST
Published : Monday, 04 Feb 2013, 2:13 PM EST

MARCIA DUNN,AP Aerospace Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Supersonic skydiver Felix Baumgartner was faster than he or anyone else thought when he jumped from 24 miles up.

According to the official numbers released Monday, the Austrian parachutist known as "Fearless Felix" reached 843.6 mph. That's equivalent to Mach 1.25, or 1.25 times the speed of sound.

His top speed initially was estimated last October at 834 mph, or Mach 1.24.

Either way, he became the first human to break the sound barrier with only his body.

Baumgartner was supersonic for a half-minute during the jump over New Mexico. His heart rate remained below 185 beats a minute, and his breathing was fairly steady.

The leap was from an altitude of 127,852 feet. That's 248 feet lower than estimates.

The jump was sponsored by Red Bull.

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