June 2005 - Revenge of the Sith toys spotted at the edge of space.
On May 21st, the droid R4-G9, a Wookiee Warrior, Tion Medon and General Grievous flew to 77,905 feet above the Earth.
Four Star Wars Episode Three "Sneak Preview" action figures were aboard "Away 26" on its mission to the edge of space. This high altitude balloon research mission was flown by JP Aerospace. It soared above the Black Rock desert in Nevada. The vehicle is a carbon fiber and foam diamond carried aloft by two large helium-filled balloon. Away 26 tested telemetry systems for high altitude airships and platforms.
"The temperature dropped to -87 degrees and the Wookiee looked a little chilly, but otherwise they're in perfect condition," said John Powell, President of JP Aerospace. The figures had a wild ride with winds up to 130 mph and high turbulence all the way up. The figures, 'droids and Wookiees alike, are now for sale on eBay. The proceeds will go toward the PongSat student education program.
ebay link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5979357481
In addition to the celebrities, this flight will carry 202 PongSat student experiments. The Student experiments ranged from plant seeds to computers with sophisticated sensors.
Photos and videos are available at www.jpaerospace.com.
Away 26 was the eighty-sixth mission flown by JP Aerospace. JP Aerospace is an independent space program staffed by volunteers dedicated to bringing space travel to everyone.
R4-G9, Wookiee Warrior, Tion Medon, General Grievous, Star Wars: Episode III, Revenge of the Sith, and Star Wars are trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. Lucasfilm Ltd. is not affiliated with JP Aerospace.
