A balloon carrying a Royal Corps of Signals cap badge – called a Jimmy – was sent into space to mark the 100th anniversary.
Jimmy in Space was sponsored by C3IA Solutions, a cyber security company based in Poole, Dorset.
Matt Horan, former Signaller and security director of C3IA Solutions, was watching the launch at Blandford Camp with colleague Jim Hawkins.
Three Signals Senior NCOs undertook the project to complete their Foreman of Signals course, one of the technically toughest in the military.
Danny Metcalfe prepares the ‘Jimmy’ for take off
With the sponsorship they bought the equipment, including hydrogen and a balloon.
Despite atrocious conditions, the balloon rose to 40,656 metres – 133,385 feet – and sent back photos.
Ben Steane, Danny Metcalfe and Jittan Rai who were behind the launch later recovered the balloon near Marlborough.
Matt Horan of C3IA Solutions at the launch
Matt Horan said: “It’s a real shame the Signal’s centenary celebrations have been curtailed. But the Foreman of Signals course has continued. The project, under difficult circumstances, is sending back photos from 130,000 feet – a huge success.
“Although the weather was atrocious and no world records were broken, once the balloon was through the clouds it was plain sailing. The images sent back in real time are remarkable and I know the Royal Signals will be pleased that their cap badge has gone higher than anyone else’s.”
Jimmy in space