Pete H wrote:
In the 1960's, a test pilot for NASA I think did a freefall from a balloon
100,000 feet or so. Apparently he went supersonic at the higher altitude. It
was a test for bailouts from spacecraft.

you sure that was in the 60s? i read about a guy planning such a stunt
less than 2 years ago...
besides, could balloons go that high back then?