Job Discussion Forums

zaneth · Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 5:43 pm Post subject: X-prize

Do you guys get excited about space stuff? Did you hear about the successful space flight from the Mojave Desert (In AMERICA, yoohoo, go team!). I'm something of a critic of big business and high technology and America (not that anybody's listening), but still, it's hard not to feel a certain thrill. Takes me back to my human powered speed championship days, hanging out in California deserts.

inmexico · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 110 Location: The twilight zone

I assume you are picking the American team to win the $10 million? I think there should be a poll on this. I'll go with the Canadian team.

zaneth · Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 10:50 am Post subject:

Oh yeah? Are they close on it?

The American team has to alert the x-prize folks officially and then they have to make the flight twice, with passengers (or ballast equivalent) twice in a time span of two weeks with the same vehicle. So it's not quite in the bag.

I'd be just as happy to see the Canadian team get it. (well, maybe) I know with these prize things (that have driven a lot of aviation history) there's always a bunch of different teams, and who really gets there first isn't overly meaningful. It's partly a matter of the general technology being at the right level.

I thought it was kind of cool that the propellant was solid rubber and nitrous oxide. Two great tastes that go great together.

The Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Company recently announced a successful test flight of it's chocolate/peanut butter rocket today. "we always knew that these two basic ingredients held the potential solution for space travel, it was just a matter of having the drive and the team to put it together."

MarcusK · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 7:02 pm Post subject:

I made the trip to Mojave to watch the launch. It was amazing to me to see so many other spectators. During these days when the news contains so many stories of horror and atrocities, it was a welcome relief to participate in an event that celebrated the human spirit of exploration.

In how many other countries would an inventor have the freedom to design, build, and launch a project like this? We're not talking Tinker Toys here, we're talking about a vehicle that went all the way into space, 100km above the earth, and returned its pilot back to earth safely.

The enemies of freedom may destroy our buildings, and abduct and murder our citizens, but the spirit of freedom will live on. (ok, so I got a little carried away, but it's true.)

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

The folks at scaled.com are kicking around numbers in the order of $10,000 US to take a joyride into space. I'd pay! Cool

zaneth · Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2004 10:29 am Post subject:

Only ten thou? Wow, that's pretty cheap, considering. Not that I have that but still. What would I rather have, a rather nice used car or a trip into space? Maybe after I pay off my student loan....

And it's bound to come down a bit in a few years.

Will they give me a discount if I bring my own nitrous?

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

If Scotland ever win the World Cup - a big "if" - there'll be a few million of us in orbit, unaided by technology.