Path: utzoo!utgpu!attcan!uunet!tank!ncar!ames!vsi1!octopus!avsd!childers
From: childers@avsd.UUCP (Richard Childers)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: Model Rocket Engines
Keywords: model rocket safety
Message-ID: <374@avsd.UUCP>
Date: 5 Jan 89 22:33:37 GMT
References: <17612@vax5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU>
Reply-To: childers@avsd.UUCP (Richard Childers)
Distribution: sci
Organization: die Edelstahlratte
Lines: 44

In article <17612@vax5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU> myk@vax5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU writes:

>After real, serious rocket scientists started launching rockets, it
>occurred to some curious folks that 'they could do that too'.

The first recognized pioneer in rocketry got there through consistent use
of what is now regarded as 'amateur' methodology. I refer to Robert Goddard.

>Institute of Aeronautics estimated back then that if someone participated
>in this kind of thing for a period of one year, there was a ONE IN SIX
>chance of being seriously injured or killed.  This sort of person is
>referred to today as a 'basement bomber'.

One of the big problems that wasn't solved until recently was the question
of liquid versus solid fuels. Liquid fuels have, by and large, been retired,
and solid fuels are preferred, but in any case the inevitable explosions and
occasional fires are no reason to designate responsible individuals as alleged
'basement bombers'.

Seeing as the question of getting objects into orbit economically is still
an unsolved problem, I'd say that such research is still appropriate, and
needed.

Before naming people as 'irresponsible', I'd examine their laboratory. It's
entirely possible that someone could study fuel mixtures, test them, and
still beat the aforementioned odds.

>Please, please, NEVER USE MODEL ROCKET ENGINES FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE THAN
>LAUNCHING MODEL ROCKETS.  They are quite safe, when used as intended.
>Using them in other ways is foolhardy, demonstrates a lack of concern for
>a hobby that many thousands of people enjoy, and in my opinion shows a
>lack of maturity and personal integrity (the manufacturers trust us not
>to misuse them).

True. But let's not mix up 'hobbyists' with 'rocketeers'.

-- richard


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