Editing 2534: Retractable Rocket
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
+ | {{incomplete|Created by a RETRACTABLE ROCKET SCIENTIST - Please change this comment when editing this page. And someone needs to correct the "Retractable" bit of the page URL. Probably don't need to do anything about the image filename, but if you do you. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} | ||
− | This comic documents another of [[Beret Guy]]'s [[:Category:Strange powers of Beret Guy| | + | This comic documents another of [[Beret Guy]]'s [[:Category:Beret Guy's Business|Business]] and [[:Category:Strange powers of Beret Guy|strange powers]]. He explains to [[Megan]] that "we" (possibly [[1997: Business Update|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 – though technically much more difficult to operate – 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 | + | {{w|Reusable launch system|Reusable rockets}} are a growing area of industry, as they are more economically viable in the long run – though technically much more difficult to operate – 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" | + | They proceed to watch the rocket "launch" that proves that his new rocket is, in fact, ''retractable''. In fact the rocket does not launch, but merely ''extends''. However, it does so apparently all the way to the {{w|International Space Station}} (ISS), a height of over 250 miles (over 400 km), and then retract, as promised, to its original position. Except that the top part, with the astronauts in, have been left in space, presumably docked to the ISS, as the crew onboard the ISS say hello to them in panel 4. |
− | Of course | + | Of course it would not be possible to extend anything this far. The top would be moving very fast compared to the bottom part, and even with the strongest material a fully extended a very thin, presumably, hollow structure with a payload on top would break very soon after extension began. Also the ISS moves at 17,100 mph/27,600 km/h, making an orbit in a bout one and a half hour. So making the tip follow this long enough to dock would be even more impossible. |
− | + | A possibility of making a {{w|space elevator}} has been discussed, but it would not extend like this with a payload on top. Randall has for instance referenced space elevators in [[697: Tensile vs. Shear Strength]]. | |
− | The | + | 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 feel 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. |
− | + | ==Transcript== | |
− | + | {{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} | |
− | |||
− | + | :[In the first of a series of frames, Beret Guy and Megan stand with a rocket on a launchpad far away behind them near the horizon] | |
− | :[Beret Guy and Megan | ||
:Beret Guy: We're testing our new retractable rocket. | :Beret Guy: We're testing our new retractable rocket. | ||
:Megan: You mean reusable? | :Megan: You mean reusable? | ||
:Beret Guy: No. | :Beret Guy: No. | ||
− | :[ | + | :[Closer view of just the launchpad and rocket with the horizon line] |
− | : | + | :[It has the appearance of having a long first stage, a second stage with slightly wider fairing and an Apollo-style capsule with escape-tower atop it all] |
+ | :[There is a directionless speech-bubble depicting a tannoy voice] | ||
+ | :Tannoy: Three... Two... One... Liftoff! | ||
− | :[ | + | :[Continued view, as before, but while the base of the rocket-stack remains stationary, the first stage is apparently elongated, with a hint of a bend, to raise the total height to which the upper-stage and capsule assembly reaches] |
− | :[ | + | :[The first stage is now elongated far enough to disappear off the top of the frame - it has a distinct but slight bend to it] |
+ | :[Two voices are indicated as coming from out beyond the top of the frame] | ||
:Voice 1: Hi, welcome to the ISS! | :Voice 1: Hi, welcome to the ISS! | ||
:Voice 2: Hello! | :Voice 2: Hello! | ||
− | :[ | + | :[The first stage is retracted, similar in length to the second frame, but the capsule is no longer atop the 'second stage' fairing, just movement lines to indicate that the remainder is returning back towards the original position] |
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
− | *The | + | *The original comic misspelled "retractable" as "retractible". |
− | **This was done both in the [https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/images/archive/5/57/20211028040721%21retractable_rocket.png comic itself], and [https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=2534:_Retractible_Rocket&redirect=no the title]. | + | **This was done both in the [[https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/images/archive/5/57/20211028040721%21retractable_rocket.png comic itself], and [https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=2534:_Retractible_Rocket&redirect=no the title]. |
+ | **This was soon corrected, but has left it's mark on explain xkcd as can be seen in the links above. | ||
+ | |||
{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} |