Santa "sent into space" by science-loving duo SANTA Claus went on a flight with a difference when a model of Father Christmas was strapped to a helium balloon and sent 100,000 feet into the air. Mark Ireland and Cassie Phelps attached a camera to a high altitude weather balloon to capture Santa and his faithful sidekick Rudolph soaring high above the earth. The balloon flew for around two hours before bursting and sending Santa back to earth - the model travelled around 70 miles during its flight from the Forest of Dean to its eventual landing site in Yeovil, Somerset. Pictures: HeMedia