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Rocket Guy Getting Closer - But No Firm Launch Date

Posted by timothy on from the check-out-the-napkin-art dept.

BoomZilla writes "Brian Walker, the self styled "Rocket Guy" is making excellent progress with his one-man booster. Project R.U.S.H. plans to launch Brian in to orbit 'sometime later this year'. Brian's site (http://www.rocketguy.com/rocket.html) has many excellent pictures of the rocket and launch site (his backyard!) under construction. This is certainly the real (if somewhat dangerous) deal." (And Napkin Art? Look here.) Update: 05/29 04:08 GMT by T : Brian Walker dropped a note to point out that his plan is actually for a sub-orbital flight 35 miles up, not Earth orbit.

7 of 200 comments (clear)

  1. The First in History.. by Quizme2000 · · Score: 5, Funny

    To be added to the Darwin Awards in Real-Time. Maybe we will get streaming video of it too?

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    "Get them before they get....
  2. Future /. headline by NickRob · · Score: 5, Funny

    Future /. headline:

    Rocket Guy shot down by 'Star Wars' Missle Defense system.

  3. Not the first amateur astronaut... by Guppy · · Score: 5, Funny

    According to legend, sometime around 1500 AD, a Chinese official named Wan Hu constructed a chair, to which numerous rockets were attached. With this device, Wan Hu intended to ascend to Heaven.

    When the rockets were ignited, there was a tremendous flash of flame and thunder. After the smoke cleared, Wan Hu was never seen again, which I suppose means he must have made it. :)

  4. Not going into orbit by mikosullivan · · Score: 5, Informative
    He's not planning on going into orbit, or even into space. From his page (Google cached version):
    The goal is to go straight up 30 miles. There are no plans for orbit, just to set the altitude record for a private citizen.
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    Miko O'Sullivan
  5. Cynicism... by Warin · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Y'know...the cynicism of people... it amazes me...

    Yeah, this guy is a bit of a nut. I cant disagree with that. But as loony as this is, he has a dream and he is going to make it happen.

    Maybe instead of derision being aimed at this guy, we should all be praying that he succeeds. I for one would love a chance to do something like this, but if we wait for NASA and/or other government agencies to make it a reality I cant see it happening in my lifetime. Unless of course you have enough money to get tthe Russians to take you. Guys like this, and all the folks working on winning the X Prize are pioneers... and deserve more that the ridicule they get from the folks around here.

    Laugh at him if you will, but what is the last daring thing you did to realize a lifelong dream? Hmmm?

  6. Behind Schedule... by DickPhallus · · Score: 5, Funny

    Rocket Guy Getting Closer - But No Firm Launch Date

    Well no wonder, every time he makes progress, we go and slashdot his site, so he has to redirect all his funds to bandwidth bills.

    --

    --
    Some weasel took the cork out of my lunch.
  7. I was worried about him last year, so I wrote... by Syre · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Here's some correspondance I exchanged with the RocketGuy last year. I was a bit harsh with him, but I was really concerned that he'd show up in the Darwin Awards:

    To:
    Sent: Friday, October 12, 2001 1:57 AM
    Subject: WWW:Rocket Guy Site Feedback

    Message: Are you going to do an unmanned test flight (or several) before you launch yourself in this rocket?

    If not, I suggest you go to space.com and look at the videos under their "launches" section. You will see many rockets exploding and crashing.

    If you launch yourself without doing unmanned test flights, it must be concluded that you are either an idiot or suicidal.

    I hope that neither is the case and that you do the test flights and insure that you are not remembered as a fool.

    Best wishes.

    ========
    And his reply:
    ========
    From Brian Walker Fri Oct 12 08:10:26 2001
    From: "Brian Walker"
    Subject: Re: WWW:Rocket Guy Site Feedback
    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 08:10:26 -0700

    Yes, I will be conducting unmanned launches. The first will be is a smaller rocket 12 foot high, 320 pounds fuel,gross weight about 4000 pounds). It will demonstarte the separating fins and air launch system.

    No, I am neither an idiot of suicidal.

    Thanks for the message and concern.