Riedel helps world witness Red Bull Stratos record-breaking space jump
Published: ASIA
WORLD: Riedel Communications provided the entire communications solution for Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking Red Bull Stratos skydive from the edge of space. Riedel supplied both wireless and wired digital intercom systems, in addition to furnishing the fibre-based video and signal distribution and the wireless video links from the capsule’s onboard cameras.
The skydive saw Mr Baumgartner ascended to 24 miles in a stratospheric balloon before freefalling towards earth – breaking three world records along the way. These comprise the highest skydive, the longest free fall and the first to reach supersonic speeds in free fall and the highest manned balloon ride.
Reliable communication was essential between Mr Baumgartner and all the team members at the launch site and mission control, leading Red Bull to select a comprehensive communications solution from Riedel Communications for the project.
For the transport capsule, Riedel provided the on-board video control system for nine HD video cameras with specially developed telemetry control. This system was responsible for the control of the video recording and also served as a comprehensive digital video router. It offered complete remote control of the whole video system and featured three HD video downlinks that were dynamically assigned to selected cameras.
The communications infrastructure on-site included the entire compound, the mission control, the production offices, the media/press centre and an OB truck. All these facilities and positions were integrated into one single communications infrastructure via a Riedel Artist Digital Matrix system.
Furthermore, Riedel furnished the on-site digital radio network with more than 100 radio receivers and 10 channels, which were seamlessly integrated into the wired matrix intercom system. All video signals on ground were distributed and routed with Riedel's MediorNet technology, and in total 24 Riedel MediorNet nodes were installed in a redundant ring topology to provide maximum reliability. In case of a potential connection loss between two nodes, the signals would have still been distributed due to the redundant topology.
The connection to the launchpad of the capsule was also realised with the MediorNet system – this time with two MediorNet Compact frames that were connected to the main system lined with the brand’s Pure tactical fibre cables.
Furthermore, the data of the telemetry that was used for some broadcast applications, and MediorNet also served as a network backbone for the on-site Internet connection by providing the Ethernet connectivity in all areas of the compound.