Ah, science. A regional ISP down in the Bay of Plenty has won a chance to be a part of an expedition in which a balloon will ascend to the edge of space.

While the balloon itself, which takes off from the desert in Nevada, is gathering a variety of data, Enternet Online Limited’s participation takes the form of a ~500-gramme toy cow called EVA.

The expedition will see a specially designed balloon capsule travel to the edge of space on April 22nd (World Earth Day) to gather data. EVA will be attached to the outside of the capsule

Terry Coles, EOL MD, explains how his company came to be a part of the mission: “We monitor solar flare activity as this has an impact on the high-speed wireless services that we provide to businesses and residences in the BoP.”

When the organisation from which he receives these solar activity updates sent out a notification of a competition, Coles immediately responded. Next thing you know, his cow was on its way up.

What makes EOL’s winning of the compo a little more notable is that it was open to organisations worldwide. Why the cow? Because that’s the company’s mascot.

“The balloon goes up to 120 000 feet or more, depending on atmospheric conditions and wind. While its up there, it gathers a range of data. The last one discovered bacteria which lives at those altitudes, so from a scientific point of view, it’s pretty exciting,” Coles adds.

He confirms that EVA had some pretty strict limitations inasmuch as her weight was concerned. “Even a shade over the allowed 500 grammes and the balloon won’t reach maximum possible altitude.”

Those interested can track EVA’s progress at a specially-set up page which features regular updates.

*We’re expecting a press release announcing flying pigs any day now.

**Our extensive research tells us the moon may be a little higher, even, than 120 000 feet.