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School Helps NSC Reach New Heights

12-07-12

Written by Malika

On Friday 4th May students from Sponne School Science Club sent a monkey into space.

Now fear not, the monkey in question was in fact one of the toy variety and came from a long line of astronaut monkeys at the National Space Centre in Leicester.

The monkey reached a height of 36,577m thanks to the help of an inflatable weather balloon, prior to its return to earth unharmed.  During the journey the monkey was able to take several photographs, including one of his space suit sporting the new logo of the National Space Centre.

Nicki Parton, from Sponne School Science Club, said; "The students always find the flight fascinating, as they are producing their own, unique photos of space, along with the knowledge that they have created the payload and organised the materials themselves. This particular box was created last summer, by a group of students representing the 3 key stages in the school, Josh (yr13), Joe and Natalie (yr 11), Ben, Cailean, Bradley (yr 9), Emma, James, Luke, Colm (yr 8) and Will (yr 7) in a day long activity which also saw them practise to locate the beacon using radio receivers"

When we received the images from Sponne School we were over the moon. Not only was it our little monkey that had gone into space, but the images of the new logo were stunning. We cannot thank them enough and know that the missions to go above and beyond will continue. Science is amazing and these pictures show, it is also cool.

Sponne Science Club say the monkey is hoping to fly again before the end of the academic year.  What shall we send next time though?  What do you suggest...