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´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide, America and the National Geographic Channel (NGC) today announced the landmark ´óÏó´«Ã½ and NGC co-production, Space Dive, a documentary that follows one man as he challenges the boundaries of science. In 2010, elite BASE Jumper Felix Baumgartner will attempt a historic freefall from a staggering 125,000 feet: a jump that will qualify him as the first person to break the sound barrier without propulsion. The documentary will air on National Geographic Channel (US), ´óÏó´«Ã½ (UK) and will be globally distributed by ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide.

"We are thrilled to take part in this remarkable production, showcasing the courage of a single human being and an incredible journey," commented Matt Forde, EVP, Sales & Co-productions, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide, Americas. "National Geographic Channel is a terrific partner and the natural home for audiences to experience this adventure."

"This show promises to offer an edge-of-your-seat experience, combined with fascinating insight into the intersection between science and the limits of human ability," said Steve Burns, EVP Content for NGC. "The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is the perfect partner to execute a production with the extraordinary technical challenges required to document this extraordinary event."

The documentary will follow Felix from his first solo travel to the edge of space, with the aid of just a balloon, to his actual dive from 125,000 feet. Reaching record shattering speeds of over 690mph (Mach 1) in just 35 seconds, breaking the sound barrier without propulsion and creating a human sonic boom on his way back to Earth, Felix will put his body through the most arduous and life-threatening conditions ever experienced in freefall. An immense scientific challenge, a team of NASA and U.S. Air Force experts are collaborating on the technical aspects and logistics of the dive. Working closely with Felix is U.S. Air Force veteran Colonel Joe Kittinger, who, in 1960 jumped from 102,800 feet, making Joe the only man to have achieved a similar feat to what Felix is about to attempt.

Cameras will be affixed to Felix’s balloon and helmet, providing unrestricted access to every aspect of his quest and revealing his unique view of space and Earth during his momentous dive from space.

The ´óÏó´«Ã½/National Geographic Channel co-production is executive produced by Gary Hunter (Top Gear, Last Man Standing). It is slated to premiere on National Geographic Channel and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two in 2010. The deal was brokered by Parul Patel, Director, Sales & Co-productions, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Worldwide and Michael Mavretic, Associate Director Development, NGC.

NOTES TO EDITORS
About National Geographic Channel
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is a joint venture between National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and Fox Cable Networks (FCN). Since launching in January 2001, NGC initially earned some of the fastest distribution growth in the history of cable and more recently the fastest ratings growth in television. The network celebrated its fifth anniversary January 2006 with the launch of NGC HD, which provides the spectacular imagery that National Geographic is known for in stunning high definition. NGC has carriage with all of the nation's major cable and satellite television providers, making it currently available in more than 70 million homes. For more information, please visit .

Christine Shaw Davis/Christine Black

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