He was the first man in space—free falling to the earth, traveling without a vehicle, breaking the sound barrier, wearing only a space suit, carrying a film camera. On August 16, 1960, he ascended to 19 miles above the earth in a space age helium balloon called the Excelsior III gondola, and then he jumped. For a man who fell to earth, David Bowie ain’t got nothin on Joseph Kittinger.

And the weirdest part—during the intitial phases of the free fall, he didn’t even feel the sensation of falling—not until he hit the resistance of the thicker air.

Why do I mention this to you now? Maybe it’s because old covers of LIFE magazine ring a nostalgia which is especially resonant at the dawning of a new year. Or maybe it’s the graphic visual metaphor of a free fall into the world. But ultimately because it’s a gripping, way cool, must-see video clip.

There’s also a more recent, less exciting, interview with Joseph Kittinger on video at Forbes.com.

[via BLDGBLOG]