A dedicated USAF physician who volunteers for high-altitude balloon tests to study human physiological limits. He successfully identifies an ejection seat flaw by breaking his own arm in a test, and later survives a dangerous solo balloon flight after radio failure and oxygen depletion.
Jim operates under Thomas's authority as the new program director, shifting their dynamic from peer-level to hierarchical.
Jim and Pat are engaged, with their relationship serving as Jim's primary emotional anchor before his space program duties.
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