Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

X Prize Founder Launches Rocket Racing League

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the crop-dusting-pilots-unite dept.

David Rosen writes "MSNBC reports a 'Rocket Racing League' is launching today. The man behind the $10 million X Prize for private spaceflight is joining forces with a venture capitalist who is also an Indy car backer to establish a NASCAR-like racing league for rocket-powered aircraft." The Rocket Racing League also has an official website which outlines some of the specifics behind the program.

1 of 198 comments (clear)

  1. Gah. RTFA. by everphilski · · Score: 5, Interesting

    RTFA.

    5,000 feet is an altitude that may be covered in seconds by a rocket at speed. No, it will be covered at 5000/(Velocity in Feet Per Seconds) seconds.

    With a max speed of 320 MPH (which you surely would not be doing in a maneuvering course) a two mile length of track would take 22.5 seconds per lap. Faster than NASCAR, yes. But that's the point.

    The article specifically states kerosene engines. Kerosene is a liquid at all but the most extreme temperatures.

    I cannot imagine any braking system that would allow such a craft to slow down adequately for a "turn."

    It's called aerodynamics. Flaps. And you won't be gunning it most of the time. It depends on the course.

    The dynamics of these racers would appear to all but defy anything we have ever produced.

    Check out XCOR's website. The spec listed on the Rocket Racing website is very similar to the bird XCOR is currently flying, and will be flying at the XPRIZE cup.

    And such a craft would not necessarily operate in outer space. No !@#$

    -everphilski-