Furry frontier as Morecambe kids launch hotel mascot into space
The dog in question isn’t a real one though – it’s Sam, the Midland Hotel’s cuddly canine mascot, who is about to go into orbit in the name of science.
A team of budding scientists at Morecambe Bay Primary School are designing a physics project to use helium balloons, GPS tracking equipment and action cameras to see how high they can send Sam.
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Hide AdThey were due to launch the brave pooch from the seafront near the Midland today (Tuesday).
The small cuddly toy version of Sam will be fitted with a tracking device and is predicted to land somewhere in Yorkshire, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Sam’s adventure will end a two-week space initiative for the children.
This has included rocket science, Martian experiments and space exploration in a planetarium.
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Hide AdThe UK Space Agency also gave them a real-life space suit for the pupils to learn about space survival.
“We will also be using the data and the images recorded from Sam the Dog’s flight as teaching materials,” said Siobhan Collingwood, head teacher at Morecambe Bay.
“It all contributes to the learning experience for the students and provides a sense of visual achievement.”
Ben Berry from English Lakes Hotels, who run the Midland, said: “This is an exciting science project for the children.
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Hide Ad“It puts them in charge of their very own edge of space mission and we are more than happy to give Sam the Dog the chance to follow in Tim Peake’s recent footsteps.
“We hope to get a nice clear day which would provide stunning aerial photographs and footage from above Morecambe and the whole of the bay area.
“And who knows where Sam will end up?”