Our Space Balloon was officially launched on 2nd July. The launch was preceded by months of planning, including a live chat with NASA astronauts and a tethered test launch on 11th June.
views of Hoylake captured during tethered test launch prior to the start of the Open Golf Championship
Our Space Patch made using 3D printer
Near-space ballooning involves using a latex balloon, filled with Helium to a diameter of 2 metres, and it carries what is called a ‘payload’ through the Earth’s atmosphere. Our payload included the 3D space patch made earlier by pupils, iPhones, trackers, Mr Baker’s silver Pearson Award badge, photos of pupils and staff and locks of hair. Last but not least, cameras were on board to give us our evidence and some amazing shots!
The project was part of a team involving Kilgarth, hi-impact and West Kirby Residential School. Pupils travelled to Welshpool Airport for the official launch.
The balloon reached an altitude of 25,000 metres before bursting! This moment was recorded with the sun shining brightly behind. It was a beautiful clear day on 2nd July, perfect for pupils and staff who helped with the launch!
The tracking team on the ground were able to monitor the path of the balloon as it rose and then again on the descent. After the balloon burst above Ludlow, the tracking team liaised with the chase team and the payload was successfully retrieved from a field near Leominster.
All artefacts sent up to the stratosphere returned intact.
This image shows the 3d patch all in one piece in the back of Simon’s car, ready to be transported back to Wirral.
Photos returned with the payload will be made into keyrings so that pupils and staff can say they have been to space!
Scientific recordings from the launch have yet to be evaluated by Mr Simpson and pupils in the Science lessons. We will keep you posted.
Thank you to all involved in this fascinating space project!