E.L.I.A.S from PASCAL Space Center achieved a successful spaceflight

PASCAL English School Larnaka and PASCAL Space Center are delighted to share another great achievement of their students and teachers. Over the last week, E.L.I.A.S. became the first-ever smart-robot being to journey into outer space, achieving a successful spaceflight as part of Cyprus Space Week Outreach Program for 2023.

Specifically, on Friday, the 26th of May 2023, PASCAL English School Larnaka students attempted a global first, groundbreaking experiment, with their robot on a spaceflight of up to 90,000 meters height.

E.L.I.A.S., whose acronym stands for Exploration, Lifelong Learning, Innovation, Advancement, and Space, was launched from Lefkosia’s Department of Meteorology, Center of Excellence “Eratosthenes” with over 2,500 students watching the mission live from their schools’ classes.

In addition, E.L.I.A.S. carried flower seeds from all 85 schools participating in the Cyprus Space Week Outreach Program, all the way to the stratosphere as part of the “Plants to Space Program” which combined STEAM education and Space exploration. Over the upcoming weeks, students will cultivate these seeds, observing and analysing their growing stages right after the stratosphere exposure.

Richard Erkhov, PASCAL Private English School student, who actively participated in the project, focused on the challenges that the team faced. ‘’We had to work hard to ensure that E.L.I.A.S. could withstand the extreme conditions of the stratosphere, including low pressure, low temperatures, and high radiation levels’’. 

‘’We congratulate our students for this incredible experiment! Despite the challenges, both students and teachers pushed the boundaries of what is possible and made history with this experiment.” – Despina Lioliou, Head Teacher of PASCAL English School Larnaka.

Mr. Elpidoforos Anastasiou, PASCAL Space Center Manager, stated that ‘’The experiment was an opportunity for everyone to learn and grow, push the boundaries of what is possible, and inspire others to pursue their dreams and passions.’’

It is worth noting that all 2,500 students with their teachers have visited the PASCAL Space Center in Larnaka for training and workshops on how to design their experiments but also for meeting E.L.I.A.S. robot before his flight. The event was organised by the “Cyprus Space Foundation” and was supported by the Department of Meteorology, Center of Excellence “Eratosthenes,” and the Excelsior teaming project.

During the flight, E.L.I.A.S. observed the earth and shared magnificent pictures and videos: