The first doughnut in space mission has successfully been flown by Startollys, a group of amateur space enthusiasts from Sweden. The pasty, complete with pink icing, made it to the edge of space on April 8, after lifting off attached to a high-altitude weather balloon.
The entire flight lasted around 84 minutes from takeoff to splashdown. After the balloon was released, the lighter-than-air vehicle traveled to its cruising altitude. Then, the gas lifting the vehicle was released when the balloon exploded, and the doughnut-laden craft plummeted down to a watery landing. The dessert was found broken into watery pieces when it was recovered by a search-and-rescue team, which included members of the Swedish Sea Rescue Society.
"On the 9 April 2015 we sent a doughnut to the edge of space (32km up) with a weather balloon, from Askim, Norway. We spent many months planning this, and we are happy with the outcome of this project. We had permission do this, do not try to do this without a permit," Startollys wrote in a description provided with a video of the flight.
Although the 20-mile altitude reached by the pastry does not technically qualify as a trip to space, the flight did generate stunning footage from a height where the curvature of the world is readily apparent.
The cost of the mission, including helium, camera, and sugary payload, amounted to just over $1,100. The camera was mounted inside a Styrofoam box attached to the weather balloon.
Fragments of the high-traveling doughnut are currently in the possession of Alexander Jönsson, a member of the group that launched the sweet treat. He headed the mission, along with his brother, Benjamin. Neither of the men have any experience working in a traditional space program.
"I wanted to send something that nobody had done before, that is why we choose a doughnut," Alexander Jönsson said.
Norway was chosen for the launch, since that nation did not charge for a permit to launch such a mission. The two brothers have not yet decided on their next project together, although they may choose another high-altitude journey.
In January 2015, the Curiosity rover on Mars, managed by NASA, photographed an object that resembled a doughnut, leading to a flurry of space-based pastry discussion on the Internet. This turned out to be a rock which had been turned upside down by the roving observatory.
If these pastries in space become more common, they may need a name - perhaps spacetries?
Video of the spaceflight of the doughnut is available on the Stratolys' You Tube page.
