While most fifth graders are learning their multiplication tables and prepping for middle school, sister science team Kimberly and Rebecca Yeung are making preteen history by sending a homemade rocket ship to the edge of space. No big deal, right?
Except it is a very big deal. 8-year-old Kimberly and 10-year-old Rebecca built the spaceship from wooden triangles and broken arrow pieces. They then launched the whole thing, including two go-pro cameras and tracking device, to document the ship’s journey into the air using a helium-filled weather balloon.
The spaceship, named the “Loki Lego Launcher” after the girls cat whose picture, alongside an R2D2 figurine, accompanied the ship into space, reached an altitude of 78,000 feet before bursting. In addition to some cool footage the top of the troposphere, the girls were also able to record temperature rates and speed of their ship as it traveled upwards. At its fastest, the balloon reached a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
At the end of their experiment, the girls recounted the lessons they learned from their venture into space, including “always be optimistic” and “never stop trying.” Although it’s unclear what the Kimberly and Rebecca’s next experiment will be, it’s safe to say this won’t be the last time we hear from these tiny girl scientists.
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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