On Nov. 2nd, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched a cosmic ray balloon to the stratosphere. Darth Vader went along for the ride, floating 109,580 feet above the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains of central California. After the balloon exploded, as planned, the payload parachuted back to Earth, landing near Papoose Flats in the Inyo National Forest. Vader had a wild ride, and the students got great data for their atmospheric radiation monitoring program.
 
Vader comes with a unique gift card showing the ornament floating at the top of Earth’s atmosphere. The interior of the card tells the story of the flight and confirms that the Sith Lord has been to the edge of space and back again.