Raul Oiada, a Romanian physicist, and an Australian entrepreneur, Steve Sammartino, embarked on an extraordinary project to launch a Lego Space Shuttle into space and document the entire journey on video. This ambitious endeavor combined creativity, science, and technology, capturing the imagination of many.
They sent the Lego Space Shuttle into space using a 1,600g meteorological balloon filled with helium. The balloon provided the necessary lift to carry the shuttle high into the stratosphere. To document this incredible journey, they used a GoPro Hero camera, known for its durability and high-quality video recording capabilities. Additionally, they tracked the shuttle’s flight using a Spot GPS device, ensuring they could locate and recover the equipment after the mission.
The Journey to Space
The Lego Space Shuttle reached an astounding maximum height of 35,000 meters (approximately 114,829 feet). This height is well into the stratosphere, where the curvature of the Earth becomes visible, and the sky turns a deep, dark blue. The launch took place on New Year’s Eve in Germany, adding a celebratory note to the scientific achievement.
The journey was not without its challenges. The extreme conditions of the upper atmosphere, including low temperatures and low pressure, posed significant risks to the equipment. However, the robust design of the GoPro Hero camera and the reliability of the Spot GPS tracker ensured that the mission was a success. The equipment was eventually recovered 240 kilometers (approximately 149 miles) from the launch site, demonstrating the effectiveness of their tracking system.
Inspiration and Impact
The project was inspired by a desire to combine the simplicity and creativity of Lego with the complexities of space exploration. Lego has long been a tool for sparking imagination and creativity in both children and adults. By launching a Lego Space Shuttle into space, Oiada and Sammartino aimed to inspire others to think beyond the conventional limits and explore new frontiers.
This project also highlights the accessibility of space exploration. With advancements in technology, what was once the domain of government space agencies is now within reach of private individuals and small teams. The use of commercially available equipment like the GoPro Hero camera and Spot GPS tracker demonstrates that significant achievements in space exploration can be made without the need for highly specialized and expensive equipment.
Moreover, the project has educational implications. It serves as a practical demonstration of principles in physics, engineering, and atmospheric science. Educators can use this example to teach students about the dynamics of balloon flight, the challenges of operating in extreme environments, and the importance of tracking and data collection in scientific experiments.
The launch of the Lego Space Shuttle by Raul Oiada and Steve Sammartino is a remarkable example of innovation, creativity, and the spirit of exploration. It shows that with a bit of ingenuity and the right tools, even the sky is not the limit. This project not only captured stunning footage of the Earth from the stratosphere but also inspired countless individuals to dream big and pursue their own scientific adventures.
Source: Wired
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