Here Is A Bonsai Tree Floating In Space

Because why not.

Japanese artist Azuma Makoto took his exhibit to another level and sent some plant life into space.

Azuma Makoto / Via tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com

Titled Exobiotanica, the very temporary installation, featuring a 50-year-old pine, hovered about 90,000 feet above Black Rock Desert, Nev. (where Burning Man happens, if you're into that sort of thing). Makoto accomplished the feat with the help of JP Aerospace, a California-based, volunteer-run program that sends things into space.

The tree launched on a helium balloon equipped with still cameras and six GoPro video cameras tied in a ball that would record the trip in 360 degrees. The device also had GPS to track it once the balloon burst.

He also sent a bouquet with bright flowers to contrast against the dark pit of space.

Azuma Makoto / Via tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com

"Flowers aren’t just beautiful to show on tables,” he told the New York Times' T Magazine. The second balloon burst as it was also approaching 90,000 feet. The team located the devices after they parachuted down, but the flowers and bonsai weren't found.

“I always wanted to travel to space,” he said. “This is a dream come true.”

See more of the images at Makoto's site.

h/t T Magazine