Amateurs to Make a Stab at Space With Rocket

space.com ^ | 18 Jun 02 | Tariq Malik

[RightWhale]

The time limit for the prize has expired, but they continue the project. This might not be manned spaceflight with the X-Prize, and amateur satellites have been put into orbit already on commercial rockets, but just realizing that amateurs can also build and launch their own space rockets without the big corporations and government agencies is somehow encouraging.

[martin_fierro]

I used to love these things.

[RightWhale]

Real rocket amateurs don't use Estes motors.

[martin_fierro]

Eh. Color me an amateur amateur, then.

[egarvue]

Man, I always wanted one of those things as a kid, but never got one. My dad nixed the idea when I inadvertently included the words "warhead" and "delivery vehicle" in my request for one :-)

[john in missouri]

Hey! It's a good way to get started.

You just insulted my 3-year-old son...

(photo of csxt 2000 attempt:)

[VaBthang4]

That flag is toast.

[martin_fierro]

Man, I always wanted one of those things as a kid, but never got one. My dad nixed the idea when I inadvertently included the words "warhead" and "delivery vehicle" in my request for one :-)

LOL!!

There was a big ol' Estes that carried an egg:

[Billy_bob_bob]

Perhaps. But what a way to go!

P.S. Go amatuer rocketeers! Someday someone is going to figure out a "Model T" design that's cheap, reliable and effective, and that's going to make it a lot cheaper to put private satellites into orbit. Maybe that will start the second wave of the "Space Age".

[martin_fierro]

Here it is: The Estes Omloid:

[RightWhale]

3-year-old

Obviously he needs access to the kitchen and the oven. The saltpetre needs to be dry, dry, dry. But not too hot. On the other hand the missus wants a new stove anyway. That's amateur rocketeering until you are banned to the shed AWAY from the house and you can finally become a serious amateur.

[martin_fierro]

Why girls and model rocketry don't mix:

[john in missouri]

Obviously he needs access to the kitchen and the oven. The saltpetre needs to be dry, dry, dry. But not too hot. On the other hand the missus wants a new stove anyway. That's amateur rocketeering until you are banned to the shed AWAY from the house and you can finally become a serious amateur.

Where do we get the saltpetre? And what else do you mix with it?

[Diddle E. Squat]

How can anyone miss hitting a butt that big?

[RightWhale]

Check at your local drugstore. But we probably shouldn't be giving out recipes for rocket fuel here on FR.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Oops, I thought you were making a Roger Clemens/Mike Estes crack.

How ironic that a rocket engine is named Estes.

[Dead Dog]

but just realizing that amateurs can also build and launch their own space rockets without the big corporations and government agencies is somehow encouraging.

And, a good argument for ABM systems.

[RightWhale]

See, I am glad I didn't think of a snappy yet publishable riposte right away. :)

[BallandPowder]

Powder..Patch..Ball FIRE!

Really john, it's not that hard to find, my children think dad is a blast! ahem! figurativly speaking of course...

[BallandPowder]

Powder..Patch..Ball FIRE!

Amatures all have to start somewhere!