NASA Planning Nuclear Propulsion Mission to Jupiter

[WinterMute]

A.C. Clarkes best idea was always the skyhook, that geosynchronous tower that reaches low orbit from the equator and is counterbalance by mass out beyond orbit. Build it out of monomolecular cables and stick electromagnetic lift rails on the outside. (Fountains of Paradise?)

Costs an absolute fortune to put up, cheapest way to orbit ever after.

Solves the problem of re-usable re-entry craft.

I don't think the the Wright's would have much problem understanding jet engines, it's not rocket science is it?

Sure, they wouldn't get a quick grip on fly-by wire or deliberate leading edge instability, but most people don't, even the pilots only understand the basics. The Wrights were very bright and very brave, that goes a long way.

 

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by WinterMute
I don't think the the Wright's would have much problem understanding jet engines, it's not rocket science is it?

Sure, they wouldn't get a quick grip on fly-by wire or deliberate leading edge instability, but most people don't, even the pilots only understand the basics. The Wrights were very bright and very brave, that goes a long way.

Given the right person showing/explaining to you what's going on, even fly by wire would be simple enough, in a general sense.

Clarke has done a lot and predicted things well before anyone saw them coming. I can totally see the Chinese building a 'space station' that turns out to be a ship for a manned mission to Europa.

D