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Amateur Rocketeer Derek Deville's Qu8k Rocket Flies to 120,000+ Feet (Video)

Derek Deville is a rocket hobbyist. A lot of us have messed with Estes Model Rockets, which start at about $13 for a pre-assembled rocket that can go 800 feet straight up. Derek's rockets are on a whole different level. His personal rocket altitude record is closer to 33 miles, which is about 150 times as high as the entry-level Estes rocket -- and takes more than 150 times as much effort to build and launch. Derek's employer, Syntheon LLC, helps him out a lot with tools and materials. Lots of other people help him, too. Derek has been mentioned on Slashdot before. This video is a chance to get to know him a bit better. And anyone who shoots rockets to the top of the Stratosphere for fun is worth knowing, right?

2 of 165 comments (clear)

  1. Endoscopy.. by Walterk · · Score: 5, Funny

    He works for a company making flexible endoscopy devices. Yet he's building a rocket. Should we be worried?

  2. Re:Honestly, by Metabolife · · Score: 5, Funny

    [quote]and do so in very remote areas where the material disperses to immeasurable levels immediately[/quote]

    You might as well fire it off in LA then since you won't be able to measure the change there either.