School pupils send LEGO minifigure into space in memory of former classmate

In a tribute to a former classmate who died at the age of 12, pupils at Saddleworth School launched a LEGO minifigure into space.

The Saddleworth Independent reports that Tyrese, from Mossley died in June 2016 aged just 12 years old. In remembrance of their school friend, students came together one year after his passing to launch balloons and open a memorial pond at Dovestone Reservoir. This year, they have worked with the company Sent Into Space to launch the LEGO minifigure 32km into the atmosphere.

“I was talking to another teacher who said he would like to launch a LEGO man into space,” said Science teacher Mr Horn to the local newspaper. “I taught Tyrese. He was a lovely lad and he was excited by science. So I thought it would make a great project to do and a nice tribute to him.”

The minfigure used was made by Tyrese’s sister Tiah, and was then strapped to a high altitude balloon and blasted off to space. An onboard camera recorded the trip, with GPS built in so that the LEGO minifigure could be retrieved after the two and a half hour flight.

A camera onboard the balloon recorded the whole trip, while a GPS signal ensured the lego man could be tracked and found after its 2.5-hour flight and returned to Tiah.

Pupils at the school raised £1,000 through fundraising projects including a cake stall and a LEGO walk.

“I am absolutely speechless, it is the most amazing thing I have ever seen and so special,” said Katy, Tyrese’s mother. “Tyrese would be absolutely overjoyed with this. I can’t thank you all enough and for all that you still do for him.”