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Fans put an X-Wing fighter in space…

April 28th, 2015 by Irwin Fletcher Comments

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A long time ago, on a movie screen far, far away, George Lucas captured the imaginations of a generation with the original Star Wars. The trilogy had many iconic pieces of equipment, used by its characters, but the one that stands out to many, is the X-Wing.

Just this week, two fans of the series have sent an X-Wing to where it belongs. They have sent it into space… just not the way you’re thinking. The two fans, Matt Kingsnorth and Phil St Pier, are two amateur astronomers who did this as part of their space photography programme, Project Helium Tears.

The two attached the X-Wing model to a weather balloon that ascended to around 36,190m (118,000ft). Following this, the balloon burst, and it was sent back to Earth.

Following this, the two posted their footage as a video online. Overlaying this video was the traditional Star Wars theme, as well as a scrolling title crawl. Through this, they asked for JJ Abrams to send them two tickets to the premiere of The Force Awakens.

This endeavour took the two astronomers six months to complete, and cost them upwards of £1,200. This is a truly impressive spectacle, worthy of respect and commendation. As for getting to the premiere, their fate lies in the hands of JJ Abrams.

Personally, think they will get to walk down the red carpet. If you think otherwise… well… I find your lack of faith disturbing.

Source: BBC

I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.