A BATHTIME toy is about to be sent where no rubber duck has ever travelled before – on an epic adventure into space.

The countdown has already begun and next week – weather permitting – Astroduck will soar skywards on a spectacular journey to the stars.

And although it may sound quackers Astroduck’s mission has a serious purpose - to capture unique footage and scientific data.

The project is the brainchild of the University of York’s Astronomy Society and the flight is expected to be launched next week from the Heslington East campus.

Astroduck will be elevated into the upper atmosphere by a weather balloon and the student-led mission aims to collect scientific data regarding altitude, temperature and air pressure.

The intrepid bath toy will return to earth by parachute for a soft touchdown, bringing with it valuable footage of the flight from take-off to landing.

The students raised more than £1,000 for the project through the university’s YuStart scheme, a crowdfunding initiative where sponsors can pledge money to support new research and business ideas.

The money has paid for equipment including a GoPro camera, GPS trackers and a data-gathering blackbox, in addition to the weather balloon, helium and parachute.

Physics undergraduate and project crafter Adam Shore said: “This project is the first of its kind in the university's history and the amount of support we've received has been fantastic.

“For years now the Astronomy Society has been considering such a project and only now with the help of YuStart has this been possible.”

He added: “Both the public and students are welcome to join us and cheer on Astroduck as he travels to where no duck has been before.

“Once we collect Astroduck post-flight, we will have some great HD footage and data to share with the public."

As long as Astroduck returns from the mission safely it is hoped the equipment involved will then be used again for further voyages into space.

The launch will take place during the university’s Science Week, a series of free student-run events between November 16 and 22 which will be open to all.

Featuring events from different scientific societies from across the university, it aims to promote cross-disciplinary thinking and investigate the different ways to problem-solve facing scientists today.

YuStart is the UK’s first bespoke university crowdfunding platform and a joint initiative between the university’s development office and the Students’ Union.