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Ask 'Rocket Guy' Brian Walker 272

Posted by timothy from the living-high dept.
We've mentioned amateur rocket enthusiast Brian Walker (better known as Rocket Guy) a few times before; he's one of those people who aren't content with building Estes model rockets that carry eggs or tiny cameras. Instead, Rocket Guy is building a backyard rocket -- and he hopes to launch himself about 35 miles into the air. His launch, originally planned to take place sometime this year, has been delayed for the best of reasons, but now's your chance to ask about the theory and practice of home-brewed rocket travel. We'll pass the best questions along to Rocket Guy, and post his answers soon.
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Ask 'Rocket Guy' Brian Walker More

Ask 'Rocket Guy' Brian Walker

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  • Legal issues? (Score:5, Interesting)

    by crow ( 16139 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:03PM (#3801758) Homepage Journal
    Have you ran into any legal issues with your rocketry? Have the government had any significant impact (pro or con)?

    • Re:Legal issues? (Score:3, Interesting)

      by dattaway ( 3088 )
      Does one need to get licensed and permits from the FAA for flying? Or does that only apply to planes and not rockets, slingshots, or trebuchets?
      • Does one need to get licensed and permits from the FAA for flying? Or does that only apply to planes and not rockets, slingshots, or trebuchets?

        Yes, a permit is needed for that altitude. Of course, if you can get a trebuchet to launch a projectile high enough for it to need a permit, can I grovel before you?

        From wildhobbies [wildhobbies.com]

        With rockets weighing over 3.3 pounds or 4.4oz of propellantyou must notify the FAA prior to your the flight. You will also need an area as wide and deep as your maximum altitude will be. Because of these requirements, most mid-high power flyers join local clubs who have the proper insurance, FAA clearance, and permission of property owners to use the land.

      • Re:Legal issues? (Score:3, Insightful)

        by spike hay ( 534165 )
        For those of you not in the know, the rocket guy is launching in the Alvord Desert near Steens Mountain, Eastern Oregon.

        Eastern Oregon is a desolate desert area that makes Nevada look like Manhattan. It is so desolate that the nearest town is Frenchglen, 35 air miles away with a population of 25. The nearest town of over 500 is Burns, which is over 100 miles away. The rocket isn't going near any populated area. The FAA shouldn't worry.
    • I should hope there are legal issues with his rocketry.

      You might not realize it from reading Slashdot but not all government regulations are a BAD thing.

      Yes the DMCA sucks, but so does having your plane crash because some "rocket man" happened to launch a small missile into the flight-path of one of its engine intakes at the wrong time.

      • Yes the DMCA sucks, but so does having your plane crash because some "rocket man" happened to launch a small missile into the flight-path of one of its engine intakes at the wrong time.

        The chances of that happening are very infestimal. Airspace is a big area. He will be crossing the 25-40 thousand foot range of commercial flights for probably less than a minute. He is launching in a remote part of Eastern Oregon where jets don't even cross. So anyway, let's say a jet crosses somewhere in the Alvord Desert every hour (an overestimate). The Alvord Desert is about a 30 by 15 mile salt flat area between a huge desert mountain and another desert area. So anyway, the total area is about 450 square miles. A jet would cross it in less than two minutes. A jet takes up a volume of air say 150 x 150 x 30. That is 675 thousand ft 3. The total volume of air from the 25-40 thousand foot level over the Alvord desert is 188 trillion cubic feet. At any point in time, the jet is taking up 1 279 billionth of the airspace in the Alvord Desert.

        The chances of the rocket hitting a passing jet are one in over 100 trillion. The chances of it hitting a habitated area are one in infinity, because there are no habitated areas anywhere in the rocket's range.
        • That's all well and good, but now recalculate the chances if this hobby becomes widespread and we're no longer just talking about one guy. Sure, this is out of the reach of your average hobbyiest now but will it be in 5 years? FAA regulations on rocket usage into commercial airspace is a GOOD THING.
        • Please do the same calculations for the chance of a Tu-154 and a Boeing 757, both at their cruising speeds and altitudes, colliding over Germany.

          Granted, there are a few considerations that make this a more likely thing to happen then a rocket and airplane mid-air, but still, with all the flight safety measures that are in place, the chance would also be very very small.

          Now go to CNN [cnn.com].

          I do agree that the chances of his rocket hitting anything flying are very small, but if it happens the result would be a disaster. The regulations are there to make it even less likely to happen. In our country there are not very many restrictions on ultralight flying, and as a result a couple of months ago a Belgian F-16 crashed after a mid-air collision with an ultralight, killing two of the three pilots involved.
        • That's the "Big Sky" theory, which says "It's a big sky, so we're probably not going to hit anything".

          In practise it doesn't work for various reasons. One of the main ones is that airspace is regulated into sections at certain areas and heights, and some of these areas are out of bounds to casual flyers. So in Britain, there's a few areas just outside restricted airspace sections (eg. Manchester airport) where it's SERIOUSLY crowded, not bcos there's lots of stuff coming and going from the airport, but bcos anyone flying past there has to detour round the airport, and no-one wants to go too far so they all skirt round in the same place. It's even more so for non-casual flights (eg. 747s) which are restricted to certain airlanes.

          It's the same argument as saying: "The area of the US is this much. There's X million cars in the US, with an average area each of this much. Therefore the probability of an accident is this much." It doesn't take into account that most of those cars are driving on roads and therefore massively increase the density on the roads. Flying works in exactly the same way, except we have roads with height as well as width.

          And then your calculation does assume that he's launching from a sensible place, ie. the middle of nowhere. If there were no rules, there'd be nothing stopping him launching from downtown New York, which would be a Bad Thing...

          Grab.
    • I would think in the wake of 9/11 that the government would be more wary of giving permission for what is essentially a guided missile. Any problems in that area?

  • Had to be asked... (Score:5, Funny)

    by Dirk Pitt ( 90561 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:04PM (#3801769) Homepage
    How does it feel to be the only person in history preselected for the Darwin Award nominations?

  • Contingency Plan (Score:4, Interesting)

    by HowlinMad ( 220943 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:04PM (#3801773) Homepage Journal
    What is your contingency plan? Will you parachute if the shit hits the fan 35 miles up? Or does the rocket plan on having a parachute?
    • Will you parachute if the shit hits the fan 35 miles up?

      Wait a second, this thing's powered by a FAN?

      Boy are you fucked!
    • I don't believe there is an atmosphere to parachute from @ 35miles.

      • If he has to bail at 35miles (180,000 ft.) he'll shatter the record for highest parachute jump (102,000 ft.). But really, there shouldn't be much difference between 180,000 and 102,000 ft except for a few more minutes of free fall. It goes without saying that he's going to need to bring oxygen with him, and god-knows-what kind of protective clothing.

  • What can we do to HELP?!?! (Score:2, Interesting)

    by Anonymous Coward
    We live in portland oregon, and we're a bunch of linux geeks who don't have anything to do this summer. What can we do to help?

  • future of private industry space travel (Score:5, Interesting)

    by crystalplague ( 547876 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:04PM (#3801777)
    I, like a lot of people, are quite skeptical about the success of your project. However, let us assume that you have launched yourself, everything went perfectly, and you are resting safely back on earth.

    What do you think this will do to the future of space travel? Do you think this will set a precedent for the private industry to get involved in space travel?
  • launch himself about 35 miles into the air...but now's your chance to ask about the theory and practice of home-brewed rocket travel

    Now is definitely your chance, seeing as how once this launch is complete your odds of being able to ask him something are markedly decreased :) Seriously though, I wish him a good flight and hope he returns to Earth safely. And if he doesn't, I hope he gets some really good video

  • New Level (Score:1, Funny)

    by MikeD83 ( 529104 )
    This brings the motorcysle world term "crotch rocket" to whole new levels.
  • Have you worked out a deal with those Darwin Awards people, just in case you make an appearance in the next edition?

  • Gs (Score:1)

    by dirvish ( 574948 )
    What effect do high g-forces have on your sex drive?

  • Difficulty (Score:3, Insightful)

    by gmhowell ( 26755 ) <gmhowell@gmail.com> on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:06PM (#3801799) Homepage Journal
    Is building rockets more like rocket science, or like brain surgery?

    When someone says "Doing XYZ isn't rocket science" have you ever said "no, it's [harder|easier]"?

    Assuming:
    a) building rockets IS rocket science
    b) rocket science IS difficult
    c) difficult things take up a lot of mental space...

    Do you have a compulsion to watch Wapner?
    • Building rockets is more like welding and metalwork.

      i.e. like adding that third, fourth, and fifth spoiler on your Camaro.

      I'm sure this guy will concur.

    • Re:Difficulty (Score:3, Funny)

      by pgpckt ( 312866 )

      I have always wondered: What if I were a brain surgon that was a (model) rocket hobbiest (perhaps mixing my own chemicals) and I knew Greek fluently? How would I express a difficult task then?

  • ....Want to buy some life insurance?

  • War on Terror Impact (Score:3, Interesting)

    by Nomad7674 ( 453223 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:06PM (#3801801) Homepage Journal
    Has any of your work been impacted by post-9/11 issues? I am just a normal person and my first thought on reading this article was, "If he can build a rocket to go 35 miles, he can build a missile for the same purpose." Have you had to deal with well-intentioned, security-minded authorities of late?

  • authorities (Score:3, Interesting)

    by NASAKnight ( 588155 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:06PM (#3801802) Homepage Journal
    How heavily involved have the local authorites been? Did you need permits/licsenses/etc? Were they hesitant to allow it? What about your insurance?
  • ...if the rocket goes down in flames? Any plans on saying "Today is a good day to die!"? ;P

  • Rides? (Score:3, Interesting)

    by tcd004 ( 134130 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:07PM (#3801810) Homepage
    If your rocket is successful, will you offer rides for a fee?

    tcd004

  • Have you cleared this with the neighbours, so they know to put the pool cover on that day in case you end up in their back yard?

  • I know once you pass FL 180 you need to be flying on an IFR flight plan up to FL 600. Is the FAA going to require this? How is the air traffic control along your flight path going to be worked out? I'm also in the Pacific NW and am looking forward to the NOTAM for possible Rocket activities... Best of luck!
  • Since the site appears to be slashdotted, here is the google cache
    http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:BCOQM5NcseI C: www.rocketguy.com/rocket.html+&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

  • FAA, Red Tape, etc. (Score:4, Interesting)

    by Alien54 ( 180860 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:09PM (#3801833) Journal
    Given the increase in airspace security since 911, what difficulties have you had with FAA approval and/or regulations?

    It seems that some of the biggests problems would be an inadequate supply of red tape [octanecreative.com]

    ;)

  • Friends (Score:2, Interesting)

    by anotherone ( 132088 )
    What do your friends/family think? If you don't have any friends, then what about co-workers?
  • ...he hopes to launch himself about 35 miles into the air. His launch, originally planned to take place sometime this year, has been delayed for the best of reasons...

    He came to his senses?

  • Hurry (Score:5, Funny)

    by peterdaly ( 123554 ) <{petedaly} {at} {ix.netcom.com}> on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:11PM (#3801848)
    This isn't a question, but a plea to the slashdot editors.

    Please perform this interview before his planned flight. ;-)

    Thank You,

    -Pete

  • My Question (Score:2, Troll)

    by sllort ( 442574 )
    Q: So, are you just fucking out of your tree, or what?

    • Q: So, are you just f#cking out of your tree, or what?

      More to the point, what types of mind-alering substances are you taking, in what dosages, and which delivery methods do you use? Where can we get some?

      Seriously, there is a time and a place for taking risks in the name of science (e.g. Marie Curie, who could probably not fully appreciate the inherent risks of working with Radium), and then there is someone setting themselves in front of good ol' Uncle Chuck (Darwin) with a big KICK ME sign on their ass.

      PS - Good luck up there. Say hi to my friend Mr. Applewhite. :)
  • You have any worries about coming down with white hair, then?
  • Chicks are gonna dig this guy if he makes it back alive. Worth the risk in my opinion.

  • Rocket Industry Efficiency (Score:5, Interesting)

    by Local Loop ( 55555 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:14PM (#3801876)
    Which parts or subsystems did you make, or have made, yourself, that you wish could have been purchased off the shelf for a reasonable price?

    Which parts or subsystems do you think are candidates for standardization in the coming personal rocket industry?

  • Engine Work? (Score:5, Interesting)

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:14PM (#3801879)
    Seems like you've done lots of mockups and landscaping, but I havn't seen any work on the actual engine (other than a single picture of it).

    Having seen all the trouble with catalyst packs and such that other projects have had, how come you havn't done any test firings yet?

    Have you even tested your pneumatic launcher?

  • Do the chicks go for it? (Score:3, Funny)

    by SpinyNorman ( 33776 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:14PM (#3801882)
    Has "I'm a rocket scientist" helped you get laid?
  • what are you smoking and where can i get some?

  • Simple question... (Score:3, Interesting)

    by American AC in Paris ( 230456 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:16PM (#3801892) Homepage
    What do you plan to do the day after the launch?

  • Inspired by Larry Walters? (Score:4, Interesting)

    by 3Suns ( 250606 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:16PM (#3801894) Homepage
    There are no plans for orbit, just to fulfill the childhood dream of a private citizen.

    This story is, of course, very reminiscent of the famous Darwin Award winner Larry Walters [everything2.com], who soared at 16,000 ft. on a lawn chair fitted with dozens of weather balloons. Walters is also quoted as saying "Since I was 13 years old, I've dreamed of going up into the clear blue sky in a weather balloon."

    Mr. Walker, in what was has Larry Walters' flight been an inspiration (or warning!) to you?

    • This story is, of course, very reminiscent of the famous Darwin Award winner Larry Walters


      Larry Walters didn't win a Darwin Award. You can only win a Darwin if you remove yourself from the gene pool (i.e. kill yourself or destroy your ability to reproduce). He did, however, recieve an honorable mention [darwinawards.com].

  • whos your dealer again?
  • Have any last requests?
  • Flying 35 miles in the air on a homebuilt rocket, or getting your web site slashdotted?
  • "Hey, mister, are you going to die?"

  • So... (Score:1)

    by mhore ( 582354 )
    Can i please have your CDs and cat, if something should happen? :-)

    Mike.

  • OK so you've planned it but if something goes wrong, you may veer towards the white house or some such. you HAVE briefed the airforce, havent you?
    or, can the debris hurt someone?

  • Do you have a will? (Score:1, Interesting)

    by Anonymous Coward
    Obviously, in this time of endeavor, your goal is success, and you want to think positively... but are you prepared for the possiblity something may go wrong? How do your family and friends feel about it? Did you buy insurance?
  • Me: Hmmmm, what was that sound I just heard?

    You: Ummm, was it was a rocket crashing into the ground at unbelievable speed.

    Me: No, I think it was just the sound of a server performing its own crash and burnafter 4 minutes and 30 seconds of slashdot effect.

    You: I hope this isn't a sign of things to come...

  • Fundraising and manpower (Score:3, Interesting)

    by Dr_Marvin_Monroe ( 550052 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:21PM (#3801948)
    I've got a few questions.....

    How are you raising funds for this adventure?

    How much time each day do you devote to rocket and launchpad design/construction?

    Do you have a staff?

    What are you doing for ground control?

    Are the rocket designs GPL'd?

    What would a Beowolf-cluster of rockets look like?
  • We know you're going in a home-made rocket. How does you insurance company feel about this? Have the raised/severed your coverage? Considering that even govenrmental projects have went up in a flash of fire (challenger), and that they even have coverage on that, will you purchase life insurance (if you can)?

  • Public Spaceports? (Score:4, Interesting)

    by cloudscout ( 104011 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:25PM (#3801972) Homepage
    The risks of launch over land are obvious. It is one of the reasons NASA chose the east coast of Florida for Kennedy Space Center.

    If the popularity of private rocket launches increases significantly following your project, do you think there is a chance that a public "Spaceport" could be constructed to allow private entities to launch their own devices safely?

  • Cost (Score:4, Interesting)

    by Ass-Gas-Istan ( 523702 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:26PM (#3801979)
    What's the total cost for this project, including materials, permits, insurance, etc.?

    • So, sir. What kind of insurance did you have in mind?

      Do you have an amateur rocketeer package? I need coverage for fuel tank explosion, fiery re-entry, parachute failure, oxygen leakage, missile-defense laser damage, and front-and-rear collision.

  • So Taco,

    How does it feel to be able to legally bring down most servers on the net at will?

    -Sean

  • What's Next. (Score:5, Interesting)

    by DA_MAN_DA_MYTH ( 182037 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:31PM (#3802012) Homepage Journal
    Say you are successful, and I hope you are. What's next? Do you try it again only higher? Also any plans of donating your rocket to the Smithsonian? This would definitely be considered Air & Space history and be worthy for all to view. Or on the other hand after are you looking for monetary gain? Something like pay 12 bucks to see Rocket guy's Rocket?
  • In your opinion: did the "Rocket guy" title, the associated possibilities of extravagant success, world-shattering humiliation of failure (say, you pressed the button and nothing happened, for example) land you more, or less chicks? groupies? or sex in general?

  • Funding vs technology (Score:5, Interesting)

    by Andy_R ( 114137 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:35PM (#3802034) Homepage Journal
    How much of your project requires technological innovation on your part, and how much is just a question of raising funding to duplicate exisiting technology that governments have already researched?

  • Any second thoughts? (Score:4, Interesting)

    by Leebert ( 1694 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:36PM (#3802041)
    I was reading your March 2002 update, which tells of your finding love with Natasha [rocketguy.com], and becoming a father to Sergey.

    Has your perspective now changed; do you worry of something going wrong, and have you considered backing out?

  • What about John Carmack's project? (Score:5, Interesting)

    by tswinzig ( 210999 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:37PM (#3802046) Journal
    Have you discussed rocketry with John Carmack and his friends at Armadillo Aerospace [armadilloaerospace.com]? They plan to eventually fly a manned rocket as well.

  • Cowboy hat? (Score:5, Funny)

    by micromoog ( 206608 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:37PM (#3802054)
    In case something goes wrong, are you planning to take with you a large ten-gallon cowboy hat to wave around on reentry?
  • If i wanted to go on a similar track and shoot myself into space: any advices you can give? like (possibly):

    * russian space suit need modification in the crouch dept;
    * FAA apply-for-license bribe line phone number
    * titanium is best bought from these countries
    * books to read
    * what to do when mixing dangerous chemicals
    * how much $$ would it cost, what did you do wrong and how that could have saved you a couple million
    * spelling errors can be deadly when you are a rocket-scientist

    etc
  • If one were to not wish to join the trolls, might he crash the channel instead? Hmmm...
  • What sort of premiums are necessary to get life insurance that covers you at 70000 feet?
  • Is that a rocket in your back yard - or are you just happy to see me?

  • As the first amateur in space... (Score:3, Interesting)

    by Alkaiser ( 114022 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:56PM (#3802179) Homepage
    Have you thought of what your first words back to Earth will be? Also, what will you be bringing with you for the flight? Not so much as things for the flight, but more in the way of personal momentos.

    I have respect for someone who goes into this knowing they might end up not coming back alive, but realizes that it must be done to further innovation. Good luck to you.
    • *ahem*

      In answer to your first question: "HOLYSH!T I MADE IT! YAY! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT WORKED!", or, "My Blue Cross number? Sure, it's 398-88293-59. Yeah, better pack that in ice, they might be able to reattach it..."

      In answer to your second: The rest of me, I hope.

      In answer to your third: The rest of me, I hope.

  • FAA? Screw em. Parachutes? Who needs em. My question is what does this guys insurance run him for something like this. In his back yard? Cripes! We're not only talking the potential (not that I'm wishing him ill) destruction of the rocket, but the propery around it for at least 1/4th of a mile or more. That's not even considering all the crap that'll go flying if this thing explodes a mile or so up. Jet engines falling from the sky? Who cares, I got myself an upper stage in MY pool... Of course, if you're dead, then insurance... Well, we won't dwell on that :p

    God speed, Astro Chicken ^__^

  • What will be in the tape deck? (Score:4, Interesting)

    by warpSpeed ( 67927 ) <slashdot@fredcom.com> on Monday July 01, 2002 @02:59PM (#3802194) Homepage Journal
    Elton John: Rocket man? [eltonhjohn.com]

    or

    Steppenwolf: Born to be wild? [steppenwolf.com]

    ~Sean

  • operational testing? (Score:5, Interesting)

    by Nehemiah S. ( 69069 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @03:06PM (#3802255)
    What kind of testing have you done for your design(s)? Wind tunnel tests, computational fluid dynamics, flying scale models, etc? I've also noticed that your design has changed considerably since the first time you were featured on slashdot, and as an aerospace engineer myself it would be interesting to know what your design criteria were and how you arrived at them.
  • Have you been following Armadillo Aerospace's work? Their stumbling blocks seem to be with big peroxide and bi-prop motors. I think they're resorting to a rocket gyro system for lack of big motors. Your problem seems to be that you cannot control your flight at all. Your path is completely ballistic. John Carmack's crew has control in spades. If you guys get along you might think of forming a technology alliance even if you do not forsake individual efforts for a common project.
  • If the launch is successful and you return back, will you try to commercialize the success in any way? For example writing a book on home made rocketry or selling rocket kits of some sort?

  • Exotic Fuels (Score:5, Interesting)

    by cybrpnk2 ( 579066 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @03:12PM (#3802299) Homepage
    Amateur rockets don't get to space or orbit because they're generally limited to low specific impule solid fuels. Is there much of a gain in specific impulse to be obtained by further research into hybrid (ie, plastic/nitrous oxide) propellants? How about exotic chemicals (buckyballs, multi-atomic nitrogen, fluorine for example) - any route for amateur utilization of these?

    • Re:Exotic Fuels (Score:5, Informative)

      by John Carmack ( 101025 ) on Monday July 01, 2002 @11:28PM (#3805371)
      AFAIK (we met at Space Access this year), Brian is not interested in advanced engine work. For his goals, simple monoprop peroxide is far and away the most direct route.

      For reference, while the theoretical Isp is usually listed around 155, we typically only see 115 or so at sea level with less than 300 psi chamber pressure.

      > hybrid (ie, plastic/nitrous oxide) propellants?

      Peroxide makes a pretty good hybrid oxidizer, with better Isp and density-Isp than nitrous based hybrids, plus it auto-ignites after decomposition. Vec Isp may be as high as 275 with 90% peroxide, but sea level will be down around 200-225, depending on chamber pressures. We fired a couple peroxide / polyethylene hybrid grains last year, but we haven't pursued it much.

      There is a very tantalizing possibility of using aluminum hydride as a hybrid graid with peroxide, giving a theoretical vacuum Isp of over 400 (!!!), and it is non-toxic. We are probably going to look into this one of these days.

      > buckyballs

      Not much use. Buckytube composites may make for very mass efficient tanks and structures in the not too distant future.

      > multi-atomic nitrogen

      If it can ever be produced affordably, a 600 Isp monoprop would sure be nice. Easy to go boom, though.

      > fluorine

      Ick. Very toxic, very corrosive. Flourine / lithium hybrids can get over 500 Isp, but it would be very dangerous.

      I feel that the best way to take advantage of exotic developments is to build a fully functional vehicle with conventional materials, so if a wonder material / propellent does materialize, you are well poised to take advantage of it.

      John Carmack

  • Publicity? (Score:2, Interesting)

    by Cinnibar CP ( 551376 )
    What kind of publicity problems/issues are you facing? Have you been approached about movie or book rights to your story (regardless of success, it's an interesting story if you make the attempt).

    Will you attempt to attract live television footage of your launch?

    What kind of records/recordings (audio, video, medical, etc) will you make to document your launch/flight/re-entry?
    • Bill Gates
    • Jack Valenti
    • John Ashcroft
    • George W. Bush
    • CowboyNeal is too large to be a payload,so this option cannot be selected.

  • Some questions (Score:2, Interesting)

    by patbob ( 533364 )
    Can you tell us some technical details on the guidance system? For example, what kinds of directional controls do you have? Are they manual or automatic? If they are automatic, what is controlling them?

    35 miles up could send you quite a distance ballistically, and the rocket fuel could cause some significant damage if you crashed. Have you needed to get any special clearances in order to launch? Or will the rocket be moved to a safer location for launch?

    A lot of rockets blew up on the launch pad in the early days. Have you done anything special to ensure nothing like that will happen to you and your rocket?

    A lot of rockets had a smaller "escape" rocket attched to the nose of tha capsule to lift it free of the main engines and fuel in an emergency. I don't see anything like that in your design. What provisions have you made for getting you away and to safety if the main stage fails before you are at safe parachute height?

  • Do you have a trianing regiment planned in order to prepare your body for the g-forces that you will be experiancing? I imagine that you don't want to pass out 35 miles up. Also, will a supply of oxygen be required once your up there?

  • Re-entry Testing (Score:2, Interesting)

    by CaseyG ( 97275 )
    Looking at your step-by-step procedure, I notice no fewer than *three* separate re-entry control systems, including one set of cables which spans half the length of the re-entry capsule, and another which runs from tip to tail. How did you design these systems to account for interference and atmospheric unpredictability? How do you plan to test them prior to your flight?

    -c.
  • I'm curious. What were you like in High School? What were your musical tastes? What did you do at home after school? What did you blow up in science/chemistry lab? What clubs were you in? What hobbies did you have? Any interesting stories? Did your parents bring you up in such a way that my have provoked you to aim for such lofty goals?

    Best of luck, but unlike Major Tom, please don't decide to stay. Come back down to tell us about it. (or at least construct yourself a rugged blackbox recorder!)

  • Forgetting for a moment the risk to your own life, what sort of safety analysis have you done to ensure that you don't hurt or kill spectators or the public in the neighborhood of your launch site, damage property, start fires, etc.?

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