Dave VanHorn wrote:
>
> > > The first operational (read actually worked) ballistic rocket (read
> leaves
> > > the atmosphere and returns) was of course the German V2, which was built
> by
> > > Von Braun and many others.  The guidance was a tube circuit that mixed
> (they
> > > called it a mixing circuit) the gyro and vane position signals and
> generated
> > > servo signals for positioning the vanes.  I bet that we can get that to
> work
> > > with a PIC.  Possibly an 8 pin device.  Mars is a bit more complicated,
> that
> > > might be a bit tougher.  But we certainly can loft a body to space with
> a
> > > PIC.  I bet that would be great PR.
>
> A vectored thrust rocket was demonstrated last year at the NAR nationals
> here in muncie. It used an optical horizon sensor.  I don't remember if he
> used a processor at all though.
>
> Sending anything with any appreciable mass to "space" (>100k') is quite a
> challenge given current regs and rules. The current record for solid fuel is
> up around 40k' and liquids put you into "amateur rocketry" so be prepared to
> make a good friends with land owners in nevada. Also, you need FAA clearance
> for the shot, which isn't as hard to get as you might imagine.

I understand the local Amateur Rocketry guys here in WA state, launch
from Fort Lewis (a large Army place here just South of Tacoma.) Anywhere
you have a military firing range, etc., you possibly can get permission
to launch - such places TEND to already be considered "Restricted
Airspace" by the FAA etc., as you hardly want a mis-aimed 155 mm
Howitzer shell hitting a passing Cessna, much less a DC-10 or 747!
Haven't made it to go watch a launch, it sounds like a lot of fun
though.  I rather enjoy Model Rockets, will probably get into that again
some day <G>

Years ago, I went to a L5 society meeting in Los Angeles, one of the
most popular rooms was the film room where they were showing launch
malfunctions.  Same as we discuss glowing, smoking PICs, and exploding
caps, I think people want to learn from others' mistakes vicariously
<G>  That, or we're all nuts, or both.

  Mark