The idea of pushing boundaries and creating memorable moments often beckons the intrepid among us. Here at Man Lab, our latest endeavor to challenge the norm involves soaring into the great beyond - or rather, sending beloved pets on a posthumous journey to the edge of space.
High altitude flight is woven into the very fabric of human ambition, from the pioneering hot air balloon rides of the Montgolfier brothers to Neil Armstrong’s space escapades. Yet, the illustrious history of skyward quests has rarely featured household pets. Determined to amend this, our mission drew inspiration from the first brave creatures sent on high-altitude missions.
However, there’s a modern twist to our tale. Instead of live animals, we turned to pets no longer with us. The ashes of Tommy the cat and Budgie #35 were to be the star voyagers in a project that combined engineering with an unconventional pet memorial service.
Our plan seemed simple at first: attach small urns containing their ashes to balloons and send them soaring upwards, hoping they would reach the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere. This grandeur journey, unfortunately, came with its own set of technical hiccups. Our initial tests revealed numerous challenges, most notably the number of balloons required for lift-off and the reliability of camera equipment on board.
After some problem-solving, we decided to use sturdy, single weather balloons, carefully choosing between hydrogen and helium for the ideal lift. Team Helium, steering Tommy’s ascent, and Team Hydrogen, in charge of Budgie, were now ready for the respectful yet competitive space race.
In the field, we prepared the makeshift gondolas that would carry the ashes. Each balloon was equipped with cameras to capture the voyage from the upward adventure to the release of ashes at the brink of our atmosphere. The launch was both somber and exhilarating, as we released the balloons into the sky and watched them climb higher and higher.
As altitude increased, so did the suspense. The race was not just about altitude but also retrieving the payloads—camera footage that would narrate this unique tribute. At several kilometers high, the balloons finally burst. Ashes spread into the ether, creating an ethereal farewell for our departed pets.
Amidst this celestial journey, we also grappled with the earthlier challenge of camera recovery. Gaining an unobstructed landing away from power lines and other hazards proved tricky but ultimately successful.
Back on more familiar terrain, we turned our attention to another noble venture: redefining male fashion. Underpinning this was a simple, yet radical, concept: the boiler suit as the ultimate all-in-one wardrobe piece. Could a single tailored suit resolve the daily dilemma of what to wear while also being suitable for all occasions, from garage work to formal events?
Spurred by this idea, we sought expertise from Savile Row tailors, whose measurement precision could make a boiler suit fit snugly around every contour. With fabric choices and detailed craftsmanship, we aimed to reinvent the humble garment into something versatile and respectable.
Not wanting to stop at bespoke suits, we also collaborated with fashion students, tasking them to revolutionize the boiler suit for various needs—introducing features like utility pockets and detachable accessories for added style and practicality.
The ultimate test would be a live fashion show, amidst the zealous creativity of Graduate Fashion Week. Navigating the complexity of runway walks, we showcased our creations, shocking and delighting in equal measure.
Despite the applause and intrigue, market reception to our boiler suit revolution was mixed. The practicality and simplicity we championed struggled to win over mainstream fashion buyers, although some celebrated the suits’ utility and design.
While our ventures into both the crests of the sky and society’s seams may have elicited mixed results, they form part of a broader tapestry of trying, testing, and sometimes touching the stars, or at least the curious minds watching from below.