Briefs; Benson's roadmap; Nield on space tourism; Cagejet

Just do a triple point LH2 or methane deeply cooled rocket. Burn the excess rich LH2 in the base (reduce base drag) of a sharp edged lifting body. No wings, great volume simple design, short inward 3D intake (no ramps). Problem is private space can't think outside the rocket box and the congress isn't funding these types projects anymore.

Posted by Doug at 10/17/08 11:29:54

Busted, I am. You are so right Doug that I can't think outside the box. I keep trying exept the cardboard keeps getting in the way. Can you instruct me in methods of more creative thinking?

Posted by john hare at 10/17/08 12:08:56

John, your idea certainly seems outside the box to me. I'd be very pleasantly surprised if private companies would explore concepts like yours. Seems none have the desire or funds to consider alternates to basic rocket propulsion.
That said I do understand funding restrictions and the need to KISS for start ups. Government DOD sponsored hypersonic programs have little hope of surviving congressional scrutiny these days. Congress will let you think outside the cardboard but try to fabricate outside the box and the axe drops. I do like your concept and believe it deserves testing. I don’t however agree that all other RBCC and TBCC air breathing concepts are unable to achieve orbit efficiently. Given the current economic issues and likely future political climate. I now doubt that this country will ever progress beyond basic rocket propulsion.

Posted by Doug at 10/17/08 15:10:01

Doug,

I think we can agree to disagree on the merits of air-breathing to orbit. I also disagree with the desirability of government funding. It may be necessary to move some of the companies along, but it comes with strings. I think we need to find ways to get things done without being dependent on the whims of people that don't necessarily share our goals.

If that means restricting our goals to meet available funding, so be it. I have a scale model of the EZ Rocket in my office, not a shuttle or an X-15. I have XCOR, HAL5, and Armadillo shirts in my closet, not NASA.

I'd rather own a Ford Pinto than hitch annual rides in a Lamborghini.

Posted by john hare at 10/17/08 15:35:39

"I think we need to find ways to get things done without being dependent on the whims of people that don't necessarily share our goals"

Agree. If you can downsize the cagejet small enough I'd fly it for ya.

Posted by Doug at 10/17/08 16:26:01

Doug,

There's a long line waiting to fly anything smoking. If I had even an outside chance of building hardware, I wouldn't be yakking about it like I am now.

Posted by john hare at 10/18/08 11:57:03

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