After viewing the photos from the X Prize Cup, a number of people have expressed a mix of shock and concern regarding my proximity to the Starchaser engine explosion.
There is no logical reason for me to have been that close to that highly volatile mixture of liquid oxygen and kerosene. No reason at all. In considering all the facets of such a test and the potential for unplanned and dangerous series of events, it was exceptionally unwise of me to seek out that position. Any number of small mistakes or lapses in judgment could have led to my untimely demise and the abandonment of my family. My wife and daughter would not have been kicked to the curb and left to suffer in my absence, but I can’t imagine that it would have been a positive experience for either of them. Getting that close to the Starchaser rocket engine was a dangerous and foolhardy thing to do.
But watching that thing go up in smoke from a mere 300 feet away was pretty dang sweet.
There is no logical reason for me to have been that close to that highly volatile mixture of liquid oxygen and kerosene. No reason at all. In considering all the facets of such a test and the potential for unplanned and dangerous series of events, it was exceptionally unwise of me to seek out that position. Any number of small mistakes or lapses in judgment could have led to my untimely demise and the abandonment of my family. My wife and daughter would not have been kicked to the curb and left to suffer in my absence, but I can’t imagine that it would have been a positive experience for either of them. Getting that close to the Starchaser rocket engine was a dangerous and foolhardy thing to do.
But watching that thing go up in smoke from a mere 300 feet away was pretty dang sweet.
You forgot to factor in the Fuel tendency to get totally jacked while doing foolish things...
Sounds like a reality show. "Fuel Factor: Totally Jacked While Doing Foolish Things."
Joe, I didn't really forget the 'Fuel Factor'. I just chose to ignore it given the cool factor of the event.
And Anne, it will undoubtedly never make it to television, but you can count on future blog posts with the title.