Soccer Jerseys Make a Scene at 116,000 Feet

The LA Galaxy Soccer team tapped 'Sent Into Space' to make a scene for their brand-new semi-retro club kit, which set the operator to work designing the perfect way to bring it up to altitude and get some excellent photos.

LA Galaxy sent a package full of equipment for an ascent, including 10 signed examples of their new "RetroGrade" jersey, and the classic 1996 legacy kit the design is meant to invoke. The classic Nike look has been a popular design with LA Galaxy fans, and their new Adidas kit taps into that classic 90s nostalgia.

In order to get word out regarding their new design, Sent Into Space designed a custom spacecraft and balloon system to perfectly showcase two jerseys as they ascended into the atmosphere. The central carrier was designed to be roomy enough to house 25 of the new kits, including the 10 signed examples, with two outboard booms suspending a mannequin torso with the vintage and new designs respectively. Sent Into Space set up a twin 360º camera system, allowing them to reframe the pieces and frame them in creative, engaging fashions throughout the flight.

"On launch day our engineers prepared the spaceflights from our specialist site in Derbyshire, UK. Upon arrival, the team encountered light rain and thick clouds. However, our launch team remained confident having conducted precise weather predictions beforehand, indicating a clear window for lift-off within the hour."

"As forecast, the clouds had parted, and they were ready to proceed. The first launch was the cargo spacecraft carrying the new Adidas retro Third Kits, including ten signed shirts. The launch team filled the balloons with hydrogen, secured them to the flight train, tracking systems, and the craft, and after final checks, the first balloon was airborne."

"However, our work was far from over—we still had two more craft to launch. It was crucial to launch both soccer kits simultaneously to ensure consistent lighting and cloud conditions for seamless footage. After quick and organised preparations, both kit spacecraft were launched seamlessly, completing our mission."

As the mission went, the cargo spacecraft ascended up to an altitude of 114,000 feet, while the shirt-display spacecraft got up to 116,000 feet before starting its descent.

FMI: www.sentintospace.com