A Nottingham school launched a teddy bear into space as part of a science experiment so ambitious it needed flight clearance.
Djanogly Strelley Academy pupils used a balloon to send the bear 30,000 metres high on Wednesday (March 29).
All of the school, on Helston Drive in Strelley, watched the launch from the school playing fields after it received clearance for lift off at 11.50am.
Year five pupils have been studying earth and space as part of the school’s curriculum.
Head of School Tim Jeffs said: “Our pupils have absolutely loved being involved in this innovative project, which brings science alive in an exciting way and supports our curriculum.”
Year five teachers James Brisland and Jamie Copeland were behind the plan, he added.
Pupils were able to track the balloon and teddy bear online and see live images from the space voyage through an on-board camera.
The balloon burst automatically at a certain height and a parachute brought the equipment back down to earth in Lincolnshire.
Pupil Abbie Smith, 10, said: “When I first heard about the launch, I was amazed but watching it take off was even better.”
Kai Robinson, nine, added: “We’ve been learning all about air pressure and gravity in science. I’m really excited because I’m the first person in my family to send something into space.”
The space launch required clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority so as not to affect flights from East Midlands Airport.
Official clearance and the launch at the academy was organised by the company Sent into Space, which provided the equipment and also led a school assembly to explain more about project.
