A still from the video from the near-space balloon project. The project was a joint venture between Asheville TED-x and Francine Delany New School with sponsorships from Diamond Brand Outfitters and Asheville Pizza and Brewing.

A still from the video from the near-space balloon project. The project was a joint venture between Asheville TED-x and Francine Delany New School with sponsorships from Diamond Brand Outfitters and Asheville Pizza and Brewing.
Middle school students at Francine Delany New School have launched a video-camera-equipped weather balloon into what they hope will be near-space . Pictured is the final check before release on Oct. 27. (Photo by Bill Rhodes)