Write a commentA literally 'out of this world' science project by pupils and staff at Our Lady's Grammar School in Newry has brought them all back down to earth this week when they discovered that a miniature rocket man they sent into orbit on 21 June last year had been found by a woman out walking in Bootle, Cumbria.
The Lego spaceman christened Matty had covered some distance after he was unceremoniously sent space bound attached to a helium filled balloon.
After a quick last look around the sights of Newry he headed for the scenic Carlingford Lough, no doubt wondering as he passed the Albert Basin, if the new Park would be open on his return! Next it was a vertical ascent of around 30km but then he obviously thought 'this place has no atmosphere' and it was time for his space oddessy to end and he called in to Bootle, a 400km trip that had taken him just three hours!
The space cadet had no doubt decided after leaving the dull Newry climate behind, he would try sunny Bootle in Cumbria.
Resident Leanne Bolger had come across Matty last summer complete with camera, while out walking but promptly put him away and forgot about her find until a week or so ago when she got in touch with the school.
After this successful first mission of the school's space project they plan to send a spacewoman next time with Matilda ready and raring to go.
The Matty mission was the brain child of Science teacher, Mr Kelly, who came up with the idea for the school's Space Science Club,
Our Lady's Principal, Fiona McAlinden spoke of her delight at the find and can't wait till the next mission "I am delighted that Matty has been found after his big adventure. As our Head of Technology, Mr Thomas Hackett said, 'Maybe he just needed some Space!'. "
The Principal added "We are now looking forward to the launch of our new Lego astronaut, Matilda, later this year."
Check out youtu.be for a video of Matty's exploits as he sadly waves goodbye to Newry. One small step for Our Lady's Man has found him somewhat of a celebrity across the water, hitting the front page of The Mail in Bootle.
