By Clare Kinrade

Last updated at 12:34, Thursday, 24 January 2013

It was one giant leap for Cumbria as teenagers joined the space race and sent a recording gadget to where no school science project has gone before.

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There was all the excitement of a Nasa blast-off as space age pupils launched the device to photograph the curvature of the Earth and its atmosphere.

Two teams of sixth formers from Cockermouth School sent giant helium balloons flying yesterday as part of a project called Mission Control Cumbria.

The 12 pupils attached recording equipment capable of reaching the highest altitude. It would then be recovered after its descent for them to look at the footage.

Speaking at the launch, Joe Welford, 16, of Eaglesfield, said: “We were very happy with the launch of the device and we’re hoping our calculations are right and it will land somewhere near Ireby.”

Georgia Stewart, 17, of Oaktree Crescent, added: “We’ve attached a parachute so hopefully the equipment won’t get damaged as it falls.”

The teenagers, who had to get a licence from the Civil Aviation Authority to hold the event, had waited for a cold, calm spell of weather for the launch.

Scientists, engineers and technical specialists from West Cumbrian firms Createc, React Engineering and HiDef Aerial Surveying helped the pupils complete the task, which was devised by React Engineering.

First published at 12:30, Thursday, 24 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk