Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has made history as the first-ever theme park to broadcast from space via a stratospheric balloon.
As part of the mission, the Lancashire theme park invited members of the public to submit video messages online, while guests at the park could record them at an on-site “mission control booth”.
The messages were loaded onto a custom-designed screen, which was launched into space at a facility in Sheffield via a hydrogen-filled stratospheric balloon with an auxiliary satellite tracking system.
They were then broadcast at 110,000 feet and -65 degrees Celsius, with the messages ranging from marriage proposals to tributes to late family members.
The 110,000-foot altitude is equivalent to the height of 524 Launch Pads, Pleasure Beach’s 210 foot space-themed ride, which inspired the initiative. By comparison, commercial airlines fly at around 30,000 feet.
CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson, said: “No theme park has ever attempted a broadcast from space before, but Pleasure Beach has always been about pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable moments.
“To see our guests’ messages transmitted high above the Earth was truly extraordinary.”
Space mission inspired by new Launch Pad ride
To deliver the messages to infinity and beyond, Blackpool Pleasure Beach partnered with Sent Into Space, a team of experts in the field of stratospheric exploration.
Chris Rose, head of projects at Sent Into Space, said: “We’ve pulled off some incredible feats in space, but this collaboration with Pleasure Beach Resort is something special.
“As a beloved British institution known for pushing limits, it’s brilliant to see them inviting the public to take part in a world-first moment.”
In more news, Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently shared a first-look concept video of its new £8.72 million swinging pendulum ride, set to be the UK‘s tallest of its kind.
Named Aviktas and opening next year, the attraction is a Gyro Swing by Intamin, a creator of record-breaking amusement rides.
Images courtesy of Blackpool Pleasure Beach
