The Blue Dot watch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s a bridge between Earth and the cosmos. Featuring authentic meteorite and an Apollo 11 Command Module embellishment, each Blue Dot watch takes an incredible journey to space before reaching your wrist. Here’s how the launch process works, creating a true piece of space history with every watch.
Preparing for Launch: Setting the Stage
Launching a Blue Dot watch requires careful planning and collaboration with experienced aerospace partners. Every watch is positioned within a secure, specialized launch capsule, designed to withstand the atmospheric conditions of high-altitude ascent. The craft is designed using custom carbon fibre components to reduce weight and increase the overall peak altitude achieved. This bespoke carbon exoskeleton along with parachute systems also protect the precious cargo on landing ensuring each watch returns in perfect condition.
Ahead of launch, global wind and weather data is gathered from thousands of sources around the world to build a detailed atmospheric model, allowing the team to accurately predict the landing location of the Blue Dot watches. This means that the team will be first on site at landing, and that the flight paths are safe for the mission to take place. Additionally, the launch is coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority so that any other aerial activities on launch day are notified and remain clear of the flight path.
The Launch Event
Upon arrival at the launch site, the launch team unpacks and assembles the flight train, connecting each component that will be carried by space capable balloon to the edge of space. A critical part of this setup is activating and verifying the functionality of our tracking systems.
To ensure precise tracking throughout the flight, there are two independent systems. One utilizes line-of-sight radio for continuous communication with the craft, while a second system relays the craft's position every few minutes via satellite. This dual approach ensures the safe recovery of each payload after landing.
Once the equipment is ready, inflation beings. Hydrogen gas is used for inflation due to its light weight and eco-friendliness, unless conditions suggest a safer alternative. After the balloon reaches its required inflation level, it is sealed and connected to the flight train. Final system checks are run on the core flight computers, cameras, and any additional systems for the mission. With cameras rolling and systems active, the team releases the balloon into the sky, beginning the watch's ascent into space.
Reaching the Edge of Space
The space capable balloons use lighter-than-air gases to travel through our atmosphere to the closest region of space. In Near Space, the vacuum overhead is black and the blue of the atmosphere is reduced to a bright, thin haze on the curved horizon of the Earth, presenting our home planet in all its glory.
Over the course of 120 minutes, the gas carries the balloon into space to altitudes exceeding 120,000 feet (36km). Here, above 99.5% of the gas that makes up our atmosphere, the space balloon will reach the size of a two storey house before bursting and beginning the descent back to Earth.
Bringing Space to Your Wrist
After its remarkable ascent, the Blue Dot is readied for its final destination: your wrist. Along with each watch, we provide a certificate of authenticity, documenting the journey from Earth’s surface to near space. The Blue Dot is more than a crafted timepiece; it’s a conversation with the cosmos, a unique connection to the unknown brought to life by a watch that’s actually been there.
Interested in owning this cosmic timepiece? Visit our store to reserve your Blue Dot and bring space a little closer to home.
You can learn even more about the launch process over at the Sent Into Space website
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