Michael Fournier has tried harder than anyone in history to fall. So far he has spent nearly twenty-million dollars and years of his life in an attempt to best Joe Kittinger’s leap from an altitude of 102,800 feet.

Technically Kittinger was the first astronaut, as he pierced the stratosphere at speeds exceeding 614 miles per hour when he leaped from the Excelsior III in 1960.

What Fournier wants to do defies convention and most would say common sense. The cost and toll seems insurmountable. And in the end, the journey and preparations will probably only seem worthwhile to him. But really, his is the only opinion that matters. I would not do this–nor can I imagine the amount of physical and mental duress he might experience–yet I respect his courage and persistence. He is doing something that only one has dared to before, and besting it.

Unfortunately a malfunction on the ground resulted in the loss of the balloon a few days ago, and thwarted Michael Fournier’s most recent attempt at the goal. He has vowed to try again.

I believe he will.

For now, Kittinger’s breathtaking record of human flight stands.