...I find it refreshing that someone
like him, who has no PHD, not even
a Masters Degree in Engineering [or in science] is steadily proceeding towards
the goal of launching himself to the
'edge of space'.
The updates on his website are really
not very revealing, but I was fortunate
to see a TV special on him on "Discovery
Canada" last night.
The TV crew followed Brian Walker around on his workshop/home site
near Bend, Oregon.
Brian was more candid than his website
info about his space project.
His first test-flight with a 1/2 scale
770Ib rocket with 200Ibs hydrogen peroxide propellant will be launched
this spring to 15,000 ft.
Then he plans to launch two more
unmanned launches this year before
launching his 7,700 Ib rocket with him
inside to [hopefully] the 'edge of space'.
Curious thing about his launching
technique.
He's done some revamping of his launch-concept, and will launch his 7,700 Ib
manned rocket from a 300-ft-tall
"compressed-air cannon", his rocket
will leave the barrel, with him inside,
at 350 mph. That's 9.2 G's of force.
Not very pleasant.
But at least if his rocket-motor
doesn't function, he'll have enough momentum from the 330ft C-A 'cannon'
to carry him and his rocket upto 3000-4000ft, depending on air resistance,
so he can safely bail-out if things
go worng. ;>)

Jake