Cricket ball launched to the edge of space for first time
Video shows incredible view from the upper atmosphere
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A cricket ball has been launched to the edge of space for the first time.
Footage shows the ball rising from Edgbaston Stadium, in Birmingham, through the clouds and to the upper reaches atmosphere while attached to a helium balloon.
It endured temperatures of -54C and reached a peak altitude of 110,000 feet - three times the cruising height of commercial aeroplanes - before plummeting back to Earth.
The official match ball hurtled back down at 500 mph but thanks to a parachute, it reached the ground safely and intact, landing in almost perfect condition in Newbury, Berkshire.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) worked with aeronautical engineers for the stunt to mark the start of the NatWest T20 Blast competition.
David Collier, chief executive of the ECB, said: “Ahead of the launch of the NatWest T20 Blast season, we wanted to do something that would reflect the competition’s exciting brand of cricket and vibrant in-ground atmosphere."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments