Addison Trail alumnus sends bestselling children’s book, ‘Regulus,’ into space

Addison Trail alumnus Aaron Ozee (class of 2014) is pictured with his published children's book, "Regulus," and a stuffed animal of the book's titular character. On June 18, Ozee partnered with Thomas Niedballa (founder of Orbit Pics, a private institution holding expertise in the art of high-altitude photography, which uses weather balloon devices to send payloads into the furthest extent of the atmosphere) to launch a printed copy of “Regulus” into space. Below is a photo from the launch, showing "Regulus" in space.

Telling stories through writing has been a passion for Addison Trail alumnus Aaron Ozee (class of 2014) since he was 5 years old.

And he has developed that passion into a career. Ozee’s two children’s books, “My Darling Child Shiloh” and “Regulus,” were published in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

According to a press release, “Ozee knew the sky was the limit for his prized creation, (“Regulus”), or so he presumed, until inspiration struck, encouraging him to explore options to send a printed copy … above the clouds to drift blissfully among the glistening stars.”

Through extensive research, Ozee learned how tricky sending objects into space can be using professional technologies, let alone collecting materials required for achieving such a feat. Ozee finally found a motivated space enthusiast, Thomas Niedballa, who had the means of turning his dream into reality. Niedballa is the founder of Orbit Pics, a private institution holding expertise in the art of high-altitude photography, which uses weather balloon devices to send payloads into the furthest extent of the atmosphere.

On June 18, Ozee partnered with Niedballa to launch a printed copy of “Regulus” into space from Ontario, Canada (from the shores of Lake Huron). Outfitted with a GoPro 4K video camera, along with a quality GPS tracker, Niedballa coasted the printed copy of “Regulus” into the upper atmosphere, reaching 100,000 feet.

“Regulus” tells the story of three tiny mice, who represent innocence and youth, as they cross paths with the titular character, Regulus, who represents the more troubling moments in life.

To read the full press release, and to view a video of the launch, go to https://tinyurl.com/y4tr8gne. For more information about Ozee and his publications, go to www.AaronOzee.com, and follow him on Facebook (@AaronOzee) and Twitter (@AaronOzee).