Slashdot Mirror
Ask 'Rocket Guy' Brian Walker
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.
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?
Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
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.
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.
If you don't understand any of my sayings, come to me in private and I shall take you in my German mouth.