Spuds in space!

A group of children from Landscove primary school have launched a potato dressed as Santa into space.

The festively decorated spud was placed into a "spaceship" called "Spudnik2" after the first mission named "Spudnik1" failed. The shuttle was tied to a helium balloon before being launched from a car park in Devon.

After reaching an altitude of 90,000ft, the balloon burst and "Spudnik2" floated down to earth on its parachute.

Thanks to the crafts GPS tracking system, it was found 140 miles away in Hampshire.

The pupils were amazed by the pictures taken by the the on board camera which showed stunning images of the Earth's curvature.


Head teacher Robin Smith admitted it was a ''mad idea'' but was also a way of teaching youngsters – who designed several ''pilots'' – about space and the earth's atmosphere.


He said: ''The kids loved doing things that are unusual, so if you tell them they will be launching a potato into space you really engage their interest.

''It may seems like a mad idea, but it was a unique project and the children really learned a lot from the experience.

''We try to provide an education that enhances the children's creative skills and encourages them to find solutions to problems.

''This project was a really good way to develop this side of their thinking. It was ridiculous but really good fun.''

The spacecraft carried these immortal lines ''one small step for spud, one giant leap for spudkind''.