Two Canadian teenagers have managed to send the world’s first Lego astronaut into space. With a budget of just $400, they successfully launched a Lego Minifig to the edge of space, reaching an impressive height of 85,000 feet.
This remarkable feat was accomplished using a weather balloon, which they purchased for $85, a Styrofoam box with some gel hand warmers, and a couple of point-and-shoot cameras. The video of the world’s first Lego man in space is truly awe-inspiring and can be viewed below.
Innovative Use of Simple Materials
The total cost of the project was $400, which included $165 for helium. The teenagers also equipped their makeshift spacecraft with a GPS-enabled cellphone. This GPS device was crucial for tracking and locating the craft after it returned to Earth, landing 75 miles from its launch site. The use of everyday materials like a Styrofoam box and gel hand warmers showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of these young innovators.
The weather balloon, filled with helium, provided the necessary lift to carry the Lego astronaut to the edge of space. As the balloon ascended, the attached cameras captured stunning footage of the journey, offering a unique perspective of Earth from such a high altitude. The Styrofoam box served as a protective enclosure for the cameras and the Lego Minifig, ensuring they remained intact throughout the flight.
The Journey and Its Challenges
Launching a weather balloon to such heights is no small feat. The teenagers had to carefully plan the ascent, taking into account factors like wind patterns, temperature variations, and the balloon’s burst altitude. The gel hand warmers played a vital role in maintaining the temperature inside the Styrofoam box, preventing the cameras and GPS device from freezing in the extreme cold of the upper atmosphere.
Once the balloon reached its maximum altitude of 85,000 feet, it burst, and the payload began its descent back to Earth. The GPS-enabled cellphone allowed the teenagers to track the landing location accurately, ensuring they could retrieve their equipment and the valuable footage it captured.
This project not only demonstrates the potential of DIY space exploration but also serves as an inspiration for young scientists and engineers. It highlights how curiosity, creativity, and determination can lead to remarkable achievements, even with limited resources.
The success of this mission has garnered significant attention, with many praising the teenagers for their innovative approach and perseverance. Their accomplishment has sparked interest in similar projects, encouraging others to explore the possibilities of amateur space exploration.
For more information and updates on this incredible journey, you can visit the Lego Man in Space Facebook page. Additionally, Dvice has covered this story in detail, providing further insights into the project.
Source Lego Man in Space (Facebook), Dvice
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