VIDEO: Cuddly dog launched into space from Morecambe

Sam the Dog photographed by special cameras high above the Midland Hotel in Morecambe after being launched into space by Morecambe Bay Primary School pupils.

Cuddly toy Sam the Dog was blasted off into orbit from Morecambe and incredible hi-tec images show him reaching an altitude of 25km above the earth.

Sam was filmed by specially attached GoPro action cameras and tracked by GPS equipment as he rose, propelled by a helium balloon, from the Midland hotel roof at a rate of six metres per second.

The mascot of the Morecambe hotel was launched by a team of Morecambe Bay Primary School pupils as part of a science project.

Sam the Dog reaches the edge of space after being launched by Morecambe Bay Primary School children near the Midland Hotel in Morecambe.

They joined forces with Midland Hotel managers English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues and SentIntoSpace.com for the launch in windy conditions on Tuesday morning.

Children cheered with excitement as the canine astronaut took one small step for Sam and one giant leap for dog-kind.

School pupil George, aged 10, from Morecambe said: “We’ve made history for the school here today and I’m excited to have helped send a toy into space.”

Ben Berry from English Lakes said: “This has been an exciting science project for the children – it has put them in charge of their very own edge of space mission and we were more than happy to give Sam the Dog the chance to follow in Tim Peake’s recent footsteps.

The cuddly canine is launched high above Morecambe as the launch party looks on from the Midland Hotel roof.

“We were fortunate enough to get a nice clear day which has provided some stunning aerial photographs and footage from above Morecambe and the whole bay area.”

The UK Space Agency also provided the school with a real life space suit for the children to learn about space survival.

Siobhan Collingwood, head teacher of Morecambe Bay Primary, said: “We have been able to tailor lesson plans, presentations and worksheets around the project to add to the usual science curriculum.

“We will also be using the data and the images recorded from Sam the Dog’s flight as teaching materials. It all contributes to the learning experience for the students and provides a sense of visual achievement.”

Sam is attached to equipment including a special video camera prior to his adventure.

Chris Rose, from Sheffield based SentIntoSpace.com, said: “We have a passion for practical science projects like this and for helping students of all ages and abilities become more engaged in learning.

“Sending Sam the Dog into space was an ideal opportunity for the children to learn more about gravity, meteorology, technology and of course travel at the edge of space.”