 Ready: The rocket and its inventors  LARGS, Scotland UK — Being invested with the names of gods gave spaceships such as Apollo and Saturn a certain exciting reach-for-the-stars quality. But names aren't everything. And now a landmark in space exploration has been reached by a rocket with a much more unassuming title. To wit, the Corpulent Stump. Despite its rather uninspiring nomeclature, the 110lb craft soared almost 6,000ft into the air when it blasted off from Fairlie Moor in Ayrshire. Travelling from 0 to 100mph in just over a second and reaching speeds of 469mph, it became the most powerful non-commercial rocket to be launched in Britain before it crashed less than a minute later two miles from its starting point onear Largs. The Stump was designed by IT worker Richard Brown, 39, who built his rocket from scratch, based on a computer model. He spent £4,000 perfecting it and £650 on the launch - it cost about £100 for every second it was airborne. "Yes, it really is like burning money - but I love it," he said. "It took two attempts to get it off the ground because it was difficult to ignite. But once it took off, the rocket was spectacular. It's certainly the most powerful rocket launched by amateurs in Britain. There may be physically bigger ones out there, but nothing as hot as this one. "Three years ago, I was given a model rocket as a present and it's just taken off from there. It's a very addictive hobby.  Heavenwards: The Corpulent Stump launches "I now just want to build bigger, better and stronger rockets. I couldn't take up something like fishing - that would be boring." Every year since 1986, amateur rocketeers such as Mr Brown, from Wingham, Kent, travel to Scotland for International Rocket Week - which gives them the chance to reach the edges of space. Yesterday was the last day of this year's event, which needed special approval from air traffic control at nearby airports, allowing 15-minute 'windows' to launch the rockets.  Touching the sky: On the way to almost 6,000ft There are only two places in Britain - the Ayrshire site and one in Devon - where engineers are allowed to launch their rockets to such heights. John Bonsor, who started the event, said: "It's getting to the point where it's possible for amateur groups to reach the fringes of space. "Some use the same boosters used on space shuttles." Copyright © 2007, Daily Mail.
08-28-2007 12:41 PM
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NAR/TRA L3
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 350
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Was this a commercial rocket motor? Looks like AT White Lightning. But, the article says amateur/non-commercial.
Cool rocket and nice flight either way!
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08-28-2007 01:12 PM
#2
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When in doubt, ask Keenan
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1978
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08-28-2007 03:41 PM
#3
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Certified Level One
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11
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Non-commercial
It was non-commercial as in it wasn't sponsored or paid for by a commercial or governmental interest. A bit like someone building an HPR rocket and flying it. Which I suppose it was 
Also, I need to correct a glaring error in the copy. The rocket DID NOT CRASH. As we all know, rocketry is a safe hobby and this one was no different. The chute deployed at the correct time and it landed safely well away from anyone or anything (except perhaps the local grouse).
Also it only landed about 1/2 mile away from the launch site.
And one final correction, "Richard Brown, 39" - NO WAAAAY!
If anyone is wondering why we get so excited about an N launch, well just remember that we pay about twice the cost for HPR motors that the US folk do. |
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08-28-2007 05:24 PM
#4
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When in doubt, ask Keenan
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1978
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Quote: If anyone is wondering why we get so excited about an N launch, well just remember that we pay about twice the cost for HPR motors that the US folk do.
I don't think many of us consider getting excited about an 'N' unusual. Although larger motor get publicity most of us still have fun with smaller motors. |
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08-28-2007 10:40 PM
#5
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Certified Certifiable
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 127
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I get excited for N launches too, so don't feel alone!
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08-29-2007 03:32 PM
#6
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Certified Level Three
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 209
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G motors still do it for me
But what bothers me is that this launch was reported in the bbc science as some kind of rocketry record, like it was unknown for rockets like this to fly. But it is normal high power, level 3, rocketry. It is so rare to see rocketry in the news, and they almost always get something wrong. Great flight though, it must be hard doing high power on a small, foggy, hilly island : ) |
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08-29-2007 04:10 PM
#7
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Administrator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3189
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I think the reference to a record was that it was a first for that impulse on Scottish soil.
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08-29-2007 04:29 PM
#8
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Certified Level One
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11
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Possbily. Although I believe it was the largest (non-commercial, etc) rocket flown in the UK.
There was one scary moment as the rocket headed for that hill in the background. When you set your main charge for 1000' above ground level, did you take into account the 800' hill next to the launch site
Needless to say it all went well, with possibly the shortest descent under main chute in history |
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