TAVISTOCK College students sent a small computer attached to a balloon to the edges of space to collect data in its Pi in the Sky project recently.

The aim of the project was to send the computer and sensors to the edges of space to gather data, which could be used by the school’s science department. They hoped to collect temperature readings, wind speed, height and speed information which could be translated into raw data.

The launch was a success with the device leaving the college sports field and floating off into a clear, blue sky.

A spokesperson from the college said: ‘Our project was inspired by a desire to celebrate the switch from ICT to a new computing curriculum. We wanted a project that would showcase real world application of computing and allow us to take the subject out of the classroom and into the real world.’

The students involved, who were from a range of year groups, designed the whole project, including creating the computer coding, designing the payload structure and raising money to source and pay for the components.

The project was supported by the trustees of the Tavistock College Endowment Fund, who gave half the money needed towards the project. The students also made links with local business absolute360.com, which acted as a supporter and promoter of the project across several social media platforms.

The final amount required for the project was raised by selling space on the payload box, where people could have their names sent into space.

The students have yet to retrieve the computer as they lost contact with it when it passed 65,000ft. However, they are hopeful that it will return to them and they can use any information that may be held on its memory cards.

The team expressed thanks to everyone who helped and supported the project.