May 13 2009 I Want: Sweet $100,000 Hoverpack Action
This is some more video of the $100,000 Martin "Jetpack" that will be available later this year. That's right folks, your very own hoverpack for less than you'd pay for a Lamborghini. Almost sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? No, not really. But still, I want one.
...capable of accurate control, and it's said to fly for 30 minutes at 60 mph, and travel a distance of 8000 feet. Still no word on how high it can go, or if it can exceed the altitude where it's boosted by that helpful ground effect. But this is a great improvement over the demos from last year.
Oh hell yes. You know, this jetpack reminds me of the time I jumped off my neighbor's holding a ceiling fan over my head -- but with less flying to the moon and banging martians. They really do have green nipples!
May 1 2009 Sure, Why Not?: Growing Plants On The Moon
Paragon Space Development Corporation, a NASA subcontractor, has decided to take a stab at growing plants in a specially designed greenhouse on the moon. THE MOON! The attempt will take place in 2012, so we may or may not get to see if it works before the world ends.
In order to successfully grow a plant on the moon, Paragon has developed a very specialized greenhouse that can safely contain a plant and provide it with all elements it needs to survive. The greenhouse will need to protect the plant from the sun's intense rays while providing it with enough water, balanced soil, and carbon dioxide while removing its waste oxygen.
Paragon has chosen a species within Brassica (the mustard family), due to their quick growth and the abundance of knowledge about the plant. A typical Brassica needs 14 days of light in order to grow, flower and then set seed. A lunar day is 14 Earth days long, so if the landing is timed perfectly, it will allow just enough time for the plant to grow to maturity and possibly re-seed.
Nice, but you really think anyone cares about growing mustard on the moon? No, I'm convinced there's a much more diabolical motive behind this experiment. Namely, government space weed.
First Gardens on the Moon by 2012! [inhabitat]
Thanks to Chuck Nunchuck and toast king, who once got high on Mars and thought they saw an alien. It was a rock.
Apr 26 2009 3...2...1...: Largest Model Rocket Blasts Off
Remember the world's largest model rocket? Yeah, well it blasted off yesterday without a hitch (or Space Bat). This is a picture of the 36-foot tall, 1,600lb beast about to take to the skies. There's a couple more pictures and a video of the launch after the jump, so be sure to check that out. But not my girlfriend, or I'll punch you in the eyes.
Hit the launch button for the rest.
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