4 replies to this topic

[chrissw]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned it before, but does anyone have any
idea as to exactly what the fuel/oxidiser mixture was "implied" in the rocket
design used in the TV series "Rocket Man"?

I assume the actual rocket flight-scenes involved large solid-fuel model
rockets available commercially and fired under controlled conditions for the making of
the film, but although they were rather subtle in that no actual chemicals were ever mentioned
(apart from a vague reference to Potassium Permanganate as some form of initiator) it did
look to me like they were trying to hint at something like the liquid oxidiser/solid fuel pellet
type system which has recently become popular where nitrous oxide is passed down a hole in the centre of a solid plug of something like rubber or pressed cardboard and a small pyrotechnic charge is used to
effectively 'start a fire' in the hollow part of the fuel plug to start the process off?

[Frozentech]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned it before, but does anyone have any
idea as to exactly what the fuel/oxidiser mixture was "implied" in the rocket
design used in the TV series "Rocket Man"?

I assume the actual rocket flight-scenes involved large solid-fuel model
rockets available commercially and fired under controlled conditions for the making of
the film, but although they were rather subtle in that no actual chemicals were ever mentioned
(apart from a vague reference to Potassium Permanganate as some form of initiator) it did
look to me like they were trying to hint at something like the liquid oxidiser/solid fuel pellet
type system which has recently become popular where nitrous oxide is passed down a hole in the centre of a solid plug of something like rubber or pressed cardboard and a small pyrotechnic charge is used to
effectively 'start a fire' in the hollow part of the fuel plug to start the process off?

I assumed a hypergolic liquid fuel system, he could throttle up/down/shutdown/restart, not much else would make sense... though they didn't show bystanders dropping dead from the fumes

I am not sure if anyone has done throttle control or restart with the NO2 / fuel grain hybrid rockets ? Constructing one of those has been on my 'to do' list for a couple years now, but the logistics of launching one are a pain in my area.

[Edit] I realized after posting that you were speaking of a TV series, I was thinking of the movie by the same name. Never watched the TV show, so I have no idea !

Edited by Frozentech, 16 December 2005 - 11:37 PM.

[Damp Squib]

I was some kind of liquid or gas fuel mixture using O2,during the static test I think he said "the mixture is too rich" or "theres not enough oxygen" cant quite remember,the interesting thing though are the solid fuel boosters he made from fire extinguishers,quite a few laws and regulations broke there

I was expecting some kind of warning before or after the program "The construction of solid ricket motors is heavily regulated,do not try at home" or along those lines but nothing,no one seems to be bothered,this is science

This is good for everyone who would like to see experimental rocketry become legit in the UK,it makes non enthusiasts aware there is such a hobby and maybe the police dont need to corden off a square mile if an experimental rocket enthusiast is constructing them,the laws on experimental rocket motors are far too restrictive but I doubt I'll see the laws slacken off in my lifetime,more like the noose will tighten

I know what I'm gonna say if I get pulled for one of my launches "I just copied what rocket man did,blame the BBC" muhahahaha

Edited by Damp Squib, 12 January 2006 - 09:39 PM.

[adamw]

In my opinion, the series did no good whatsoever for the amateur pyro, showing us as a madcap breed with no regard for safety (firing a series of experimental rocket motors made from steel fire extinguishers, launching a high-powered rocket from 10m away etc etc).

I know the main character of the show, Robson Green, is an avid model rocket and pyro nut, so no disrespect to him, but I feel the writers / directors gave us a bad impression. I know it's aimed at 'Joe public' and 100% realism should not be expected, but in my eyes at least it came across as damaging.

[Damp Squib]

Totally agree adam,as I was watching it and one of the fire extinguisher boosters fired across the drive and hit the caravan just missing a couple of bystanders I said outload 'he could have killed them' a horizontal static test, that wasnt secure,in his back garden, with what looked like around a pound of propellant

But that was in the vein of the show as you said, it was a black comedy after all,I guess alot of people would have laughed at the people almost being killed,but thats who the show was aimed at casual veiwers of all ages,it still gave people an insight into the awe and beauty of rocketry and its benefit on education and science,I'll have to ask around a few of my family and friends see what impression the show left them with regarding experimental rocketry

You'v really made me think back how the show came across adam I'm now in a mixed mind better than monarch of the glen 'anyhoo'

Edited by Damp Squib, 16 January 2006 - 11:46 PM.