Private Rocket Launch Is Suicidal
from the this-can't-be-real... dept
In a story that sounds like it should be from the Onion, or possibly a Christopher Guest mockumentary, some guy in the UK is trying to launch a private rocket (with himself in it) into space. Even that doesn't sound too bad, until you start reading the details. The rocket is made out of a converted cement mixer and some computer joysticks for controls. They're not doing any windtunnel tests because that's what their "test flight" is for. He also has no real training for this (of course), though he claims (and NASA denies) that he briefly rode in NASA's centrifuge. His website also claims that NASA is a sponsor for the mission, which NASA strongly denies, and when asked about the guy says, "Er, that might be an exaggeration, I'll look into that". I sense an awful lot of exaggeration, which probably isn't a healthy thing when your into playing around with rockets. I'd say you'd be safer with someone who liked to be a little more careful and exact...
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I predict... by Ed on Jun 26th, 2001 @ 3:56pm
...that he'll sit on top of this thing, light just enough rockets to make some smoke and noise (not necessarily even budging it), then hit the abort button, claim some kind of "success" and bask in the celebrity. It's practically Evel Knievel and the Snake River canyon all over again.
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what about re-entry? by mhh5 on Jun 26th, 2001 @ 5:07pm
So how do amateur rocket people think they will re-enter the atmosphere? That $10M prize is hopefully not a one-way trip into space....
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Re: what about re-entry? by Mike on Jun 26th, 2001 @ 5:09pm
What? You don't think an old cement mixer, some plywood, and some good old fashion duct tape won't hold that sucker together? ;)
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Re: what about re-entry? by Ed on Jun 26th, 2001 @ 5:13pm
Didn't Andy Griffith go to the moon in a cement mixer in Salvage One?
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No Subject Given by Lance on Jun 27th, 2001 @ 12:39pm
I feel a Darwin Award coming on.
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