Magnificent Failure: Free Fall from the Edge of Space

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the narrative follows Nick Piantanida, a civilian adventurer who undertakes a daring quest to explore human survival in space. Despite operating under the radar of major military projects, he achieves a remarkable feat by setting a world record for balloon altitude at over 23 miles. His attempts to break the record for the highest free fall parachute jump lead to both thrilling successes and tragic consequences. This tale combines elements of adventure, space exploration, and the psyche of a bold risk-taker.