2534: Retractable Rocket - Revision history

172.71.241.18: /* Explanation */ That particular "than" didn't make sense, presumed meant to be "thanks". Renamed "rocket (booster)" as "rocket-base", because "rocket-like-telescopically-extending-booster-into-space-whilst-still-stood-on-the-pad" was far too long... ;)

2025-04-16T18:44:40Z

‎Explanation: That particular "than" didn't make sense, presumed meant to be "thanks". Renamed "rocket (booster)" as "rocket-base", because "rocket-like-telescopically-extending-booster-into-space-whilst-still-stood-on-the-pad" was far too long... ;)

FaviFake at 17:29, 16 April 2025

2025-04-16T17:29:06Z

CalibansCreations: /* Explanation */

2025-04-16T13:11:56Z

‎Explanation

172.71.178.28: As they don't say "welcome", changing it to more the feeling than the near-quote it was (and originally worked).

2025-03-29T05:36:50Z

As they don't *say* "welcome", changing it to more the feeling than the near-quote it was (and originally worked).

172.64.238.131: /* Explanation */ grow a plant and reread the comic to see what they ay

2025-03-28T23:32:50Z

‎Explanation: grow a plant and reread the comic to see what they ay

FaviFake: /* Trivia */

2025-03-07T18:15:51Z

‎Trivia

162.158.178.94 at 06:32, 30 January 2025

2025-01-30T06:32:34Z

42.book.addict at 17:05, 1 November 2024

2024-11-01T17:05:42Z

Pie Guy: Plenty of things have been extended beyond 400 km; e.g. undersea fiber-optic cables

2024-05-09T13:22:59Z

Plenty of things have been extended beyond 400 km; e.g. undersea fiber-optic cables

172.70.162.222: Undo revision 304094 by SilverTheTerribleMathematician (talk) Incomprehensible change, unless trying to be as weird as Beret Guy (which it isn't being)

2023-01-04T22:14:59Z

Undo revision 304094 by SilverTheTerribleMathematician (talk) Incomprehensible change, unless trying to be as weird as Beret Guy (which it isn't being)

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 The current method of sending rockets into space requires huge amounts of fuel, and the more fuel you attempt to carry, the heavier the rocket, leading to more fuel being required, etc. ({{w|Tsiolkovsky rocket equation}}), which makes the current method inefficient.  Alternate methods are being explored, such as using a slingshot ({{w|SpinLaunch}} had a successful test flight of a smaller scale launcher just days before this comic was published, probably the influence for this comic), theoretical {{w|space elevators}}, or this comic's impossible retractable rocket idea, all of which would leave the majority of the "fuel" requirements on Earth or elsewhere rather than having to carry heavy fuel with the rocket.  The only fuel carried might be minimal amounts for course adjustments once in space rather than large amounts used to get there.  However, many of these methods are less flexible than rockets; the space elevator, for instance, operates on the basis of constant angular velocity relative to the Earth's axis of rotation, meaning that it cannot launch payloads directly into low-earth orbit, polar orbits, or many other orbits frequently used by satellites for their desirable characteristics, and satellites intended for these orbits might still need to carry considerable amounts of fuel, even if less than that required to launch directly from the ground.
-The title text parodies the 'old' single-use boosters. It appears that the predecessors to the 'retractable rockets' were capable of controlled extension only. Once they had lofted the payload to orbit, they were then allowed to fall over, destroying them in the process so they could not be used again just like booster rockets. However, if a 250 mile/400 km high construction just fell over, it would be much more difficult to avoid other damage, than to the rocket (booster), than for just a few small booster rockets falling out of the sky. This comic was released four days before (and possibly refers to) SpaceX's {{w|SpaceX Crew-3|Crew-3 mission}} to send astronauts to ISS with a reusable rocket on 31 October 2021.
+The title text parodies the 'old' single-use boosters. It appears that the predecessors to the 'retractable rockets' were capable of controlled extension only. Once they had lofted the payload to orbit, they were then allowed to fall over, destroying them in the process so they could not be used again just like booster rockets. However, if a 250 mile/400 km high construction just fell over, it would be much more difficult to avoid other damage, thanks to the rocket-base, than for just a few small booster rockets falling out of the sky. This comic was released four days before (and possibly refers to) SpaceX's {{w|SpaceX Crew-3|Crew-3 mission}} to send astronauts to ISS with a reusable rocket on 31 October 2021.
 ==Transcript==

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 Of course, it would not be possible to magically extend a rocket this far.{{Citation needed}} The top would need to be moving very fast compared to the bottom part, or it would bend westwards and break, and even with the strongest material a fully extended, very thin, presumably, hollow structure with a payload on top would {{w|buckling|buckle}} very soon after extension began. Also, the ISS moves at 27,600 km/h (17,100 mph) compared to the ground under it, making an orbit in about one and a half hours. So making the tip follow this long enough to dock would be even more impossible.
-Beret Guy's retractable rocket has more than a few similarities to a {{w|space elevator}} which has been discussed in real life. The chief difference is, a space elevator is only extended once (and most likely this would be down from space, not extended upwards), and never retracted unless it needs to be dismantled. Randall has referenced space elevators in [[697: Tensile vs. Shear Strength]]. A more similar theoretical means to attain orbit is that of the {{w|space fountain}}. He has also examined the problems of a solid metal object extending through the atmosphere in ''{{what if|157|Earth-Moon Fire Pole}}''.
+Beret Guy's retractable rocket has more than a few similarities to a {{w|space elevator}} which has been discussed in real life. The chief difference is, a space elevator is only extended once (and most likely this would be down from space, not extended upwards), and never retracted unless it needs to be dismantled. Randall has referenced space elevators in [[697: Tensile vs. Shear Strength]]. A more similar theoretical means to attain orbit is that of the {{w|space fountain}}. He has also examined the problems of a solid metal object extending through the atmosphere in the ''[[what if? (blog)|what if?]]'' article ''{{what if|157|Earth-Moon Fire Pole}}''.
 The current method of sending rockets into space requires huge amounts of fuel, and the more fuel you attempt to carry, the heavier the rocket, leading to more fuel being required, etc. ({{w|Tsiolkovsky rocket equation}}), which makes the current method inefficient.  Alternate methods are being explored, such as using a slingshot ({{w|SpinLaunch}} had a successful test flight of a smaller scale launcher just days before this comic was published, probably the influence for this comic), theoretical {{w|space elevators}}, or this comic's impossible retractable rocket idea, all of which would leave the majority of the "fuel" requirements on Earth or elsewhere rather than having to carry heavy fuel with the rocket.  The only fuel carried might be minimal amounts for course adjustments once in space rather than large amounts used to get there.  However, many of these methods are less flexible than rockets; the space elevator, for instance, operates on the basis of constant angular velocity relative to the Earth's axis of rotation, meaning that it cannot launch payloads directly into low-earth orbit, polar orbits, or many other orbits frequently used by satellites for their desirable characteristics, and satellites intended for these orbits might still need to carry considerable amounts of fuel, even if less than that required to launch directly from the ground.
-The title text parodies the 'old' single-use boosters. It appears that the predecessors to the 'retractable rockets' were capable of controlled extension only. Once they had lofted the payload to orbit, they were then allowed to fall over, destroying them in the process so they could not be used again just like booster rockets. However, if a 250 mile/400 km high construction just fell over, it would be much more difficult to avoid other damage, than to the rocket (booster), than for just a few small booster rockets falling out of the sky.{{Citation needed}}
+The title text parodies the 'old' single-use boosters. It appears that the predecessors to the 'retractable rockets' were capable of controlled extension only. Once they had lofted the payload to orbit, they were then allowed to fall over, destroying them in the process so they could not be used again just like booster rockets. However, if a 250 mile/400 km high construction just fell over, it would be much more difficult to avoid other damage, than to the rocket (booster), than for just a few small booster rockets falling out of the sky. This comic was released four days before (and possibly refers to) SpaceX's {{w|SpaceX Crew-3|Crew-3 mission}} to send astronauts to ISS with a reusable rocket on 31 October 2021.
 ==Transcript==

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 Of course, it would not be possible to magically extend a rocket this far.{{Citation needed}} The top would need to be moving very fast compared to the bottom part, or it would bend westwards and break, and even with the strongest material a fully extended, very thin, presumably, hollow structure with a payload on top would {{w|buckling|buckle}} very soon after extension began. Also, the ISS moves at 27,600 km/h (17,100 mph) compared to the ground under it, making an orbit in about one and a half hours. So making the tip follow this long enough to dock would be even more impossible.
-Beret Guy's retractable rocket has more than a few similarities to a {{w|space elevator}} which has been discussed in real life. The chief difference is, a space elevator is only extended once (and most likely this would be down from space, not extended upwards), and never retracted unless it needs to be dismantled. Randall has referenced space elevators in [[697: Tensile vs. Shear Strength]]. A more similar theoretical means to attain orbit is that of the {{w|space fountain}}. He has also examined the problems of a solid metal object extending through the atmosphere [https://what-if.xkcd.com/157/ in a what-if].
+Beret Guy's retractable rocket has more than a few similarities to a {{w|space elevator}} which has been discussed in real life. The chief difference is, a space elevator is only extended once (and most likely this would be down from space, not extended upwards), and never retracted unless it needs to be dismantled. Randall has referenced space elevators in [[697: Tensile vs. Shear Strength]]. A more similar theoretical means to attain orbit is that of the {{w|space fountain}}. He has also examined the problems of a solid metal object extending through the atmosphere in ''{{what if|157|Earth-Moon Fire Pole}}''.
 The current method of sending rockets into space requires huge amounts of fuel, and the more fuel you attempt to carry, the heavier the rocket, leading to more fuel being required, etc. ({{w|Tsiolkovsky rocket equation}}), which makes the current method inefficient.  Alternate methods are being explored, such as using a slingshot ({{w|SpinLaunch}} had a successful test flight of a smaller scale launcher just days before this comic was published, probably the influence for this comic), theoretical {{w|space elevators}}, or this comic's impossible retractable rocket idea, all of which would leave the majority of the "fuel" requirements on Earth or elsewhere rather than having to carry heavy fuel with the rocket.  The only fuel carried might be minimal amounts for course adjustments once in space rather than large amounts used to get there.  However, many of these methods are less flexible than rockets; the space elevator, for instance, operates on the basis of constant angular velocity relative to the Earth's axis of rotation, meaning that it cannot launch payloads directly into low-earth orbit, polar orbits, or many other orbits frequently used by satellites for their desirable characteristics, and satellites intended for these orbits might still need to carry considerable amounts of fuel, even if less than that required to launch directly from the ground.

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 {{w|Reusable launch system|Reusable rockets}} are a growing industry, as they are more economically viable in the long run &ndash; though technically much more difficult to operate &ndash; than rocket boosters that are just discarded after use (which have been standard throughout the majority of space-faring history). Thus, Megan is understandably confused about Beret Guy's assertion that theirs is "retractable", asking if he misspoke. In typical fashion, he assures her that he did not misspeak, with a single "No" without further explanation.
-They proceed to watch the rocket "launch", proving that it is indeed ''retractable''. In fact the rocket does not launch, but merely ''extends'' &ndash; apparently all the way to the {{w|International Space Station}} (ISS), a height of over 400 km (over 250 miles) &ndash; before retracting, as promised, to its original position. The top part, with the astronauts in it, has been left in space. Presumably, it is docked to the ISS, as the crew onboard the ISS say welcome to them in panel 4.
+They proceed to watch the rocket "launch", proving that it is indeed ''retractable''. In fact the rocket does not launch, but merely ''extends'' &ndash; apparently all the way to the {{w|International Space Station}} (ISS), a height of over 400 km (over 250 miles) &ndash; before retracting, as promised, to its original position. The top part, with the astronauts in it, has been left in space. Presumably, it is docked to the ISS, as the crew onboard the ISS welcome them in panel 4.
 Of course, it would not be possible to magically extend a rocket this far.{{Citation needed}} The top would need to be moving very fast compared to the bottom part, or it would bend westwards and break, and even with the strongest material a fully extended, very thin, presumably, hollow structure with a payload on top would {{w|buckling|buckle}} very soon after extension began. Also, the ISS moves at 27,600 km/h (17,100 mph) compared to the ground under it, making an orbit in about one and a half hours. So making the tip follow this long enough to dock would be even more impossible.

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 {{w|Reusable launch system|Reusable rockets}} are a growing industry, as they are more economically viable in the long run &ndash; though technically much more difficult to operate &ndash; than rocket boosters that are just discarded after use (which have been standard throughout the majority of space-faring history). Thus, Megan is understandably confused about Beret Guy's assertion that theirs is "retractable", asking if he misspoke. In typical fashion, he assures her that he did not misspeak, with a single "No" without further explanation.
-They proceed to watch the rocket "launch", proving that it is indeed ''retractable''. In fact the rocket does not launch, but merely ''extends'' &ndash; apparently all the way to the {{w|International Space Station}} (ISS), a height of over 400 km (over 250 miles) &ndash; before retracting, as promised, to its original position. The top part, with the astronauts in it, has been left in space. Presumably, it is docked to the ISS, as the crew onboard the ISS say hello to them in panel 4.
+They proceed to watch the rocket "launch", proving that it is indeed ''retractable''. In fact the rocket does not launch, but merely ''extends'' &ndash; apparently all the way to the {{w|International Space Station}} (ISS), a height of over 400 km (over 250 miles) &ndash; before retracting, as promised, to its original position. The top part, with the astronauts in it, has been left in space. Presumably, it is docked to the ISS, as the crew onboard the ISS say welcome to them in panel 4.
 Of course, it would not be possible to magically extend a rocket this far.{{Citation needed}} The top would need to be moving very fast compared to the bottom part, or it would bend westwards and break, and even with the strongest material a fully extended, very thin, presumably, hollow structure with a payload on top would {{w|buckling|buckle}} very soon after extension began. Also, the ISS moves at 27,600 km/h (17,100 mph) compared to the ground under it, making an orbit in about one and a half hours. So making the tip follow this long enough to dock would be even more impossible.

@@ Line 43: / Line 43: @@
 ==Trivia==
-*The [https://web.archive.org/web/20211028014542/https://xkcd.com/ original comic] misspelled "retractable" as "retractible". Has been documented on the web archive.
+In the [https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/images/archive/5/57/20211028040721%21retractable_rocket.png original version of the comic], "retractable" was misspelled as "retractible" both in the image and in the comic title. Has been documented on the web archive. You can see the wrong title [https://web.archive.org/web/20211028014542/https://xkcd.com/ here].
 {{comic discussion}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:32, 30 January 2025
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	[[Category:Space]]		[[Category:Space]]
	[[Category:Rockets]]		[[Category:Rockets]]
		+	[[Category:Comics edited after their publication]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:05, 1 November 2024
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	[[Category:Strange powers of Beret Guy]]		[[Category:Strange powers of Beret Guy]]
	[[Category:Space]]		[[Category:Space]]
		+	[[Category:Rockets]]

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 ==Explanation==
-This comic documents another of [[Beret Guy]][[:Category:Strange powers of Beret Guy|'s absurdist ventures]]. He explains to [[Megan]] that "we" (possibly [[:Category:Beret Guy's Business|his company]]) are testing their new "retractable" rocket.
+This comic documents another of [[Beret Guy]]'s [[:Category:Strange powers of Beret Guy|absurdist ventures]]. He explains to [[Megan]] that "we" (possibly [[:Category:Beret Guy's Business|his company]]) are testing their new "retractable" rocket.
 {{w|Reusable launch system|Reusable rockets}} are a growing industry, as they are more economically viable in the long run &ndash; though technically much more difficult to operate &ndash; than rocket boosters that are just discarded after use (which have been standard throughout the majority of space-faring history). Thus, Megan is understandably confused about Beret Guy's assertion that theirs is "retractable", asking if he misspoke. In typical fashion, he assures her that he did not misspeak, with a single "No" without further explanation.