In what is without a doubt the most ambitious Lego project I have ever heard of, participants in the H.A.L.E. program, which included a bunch of people ranging from Lego builders to college professors, launched a number of Lego Mindstorms NXT systems to the edge of space at nearly 100,000 and then captured the parachute descent to earth. The systems were launched via weather balloon.

More pictures after the jump.

Balloon bursting

Getting ready (Note the Lego)

Launch of the first balloon

Figure legends

Title picture: The highest point reached by the balloon before it bursts.
Balloon bursting: This picture was taken as the balloon reached its maximum altitude and burst.
Getting ready: Preparation for the project, note the Lego parts.
Launch of the first balloon: The first balloon begins its voyage to the edge of space.

[BB Gadgets, Gizmodo, The NXT STEP, Brothers Brick]

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