X-prize contender rocket explodes

[Mike]

OUCH !!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3549552.stm

[Rick]

Hmmm... That looks like a big firework... Came down with a bit of a bump, too.

[Ian]

I hope they have a long hard think before strapping any real people into it...

[Mike]

Its only 38 inches in diameter - Would YOU climb in it?? Madness !!!

[Rick]

How were they planning on fitting three people inside? Sounds like a rather tight fit, like sardines in a can, assuming there is a hull to maintain pressure....

[Ian]

I wonder if the atmospheric pressure inside the rocket would be less than the pressure exerted by the bodies given they'll probably have to assist them getting in with a steam press...

[Rick]

Hmmm... I've heard of some of the earlier space capsules being likened to tin cans, but I think that might be taking it a bit too far.

Then again, I remember a certain student fireworks party during which we made a valiant effort to fire a tin can into orbit. Baked beans or astronauts...