LEGO space shuttle proves the model should still be used

[Double A]

Link to video.

They're going to do it again. FOR SCIENCE! Naturally, I suggested they build the Space Core.

How awesome is this? I'm gonna say a 7, with a Mars colony being a 10 and Carl Sagan returning from the grave for 11.

 

[Commodore]

Wait, so all we really need to get into space is a big balloon? And we wasted so much on rocket fuel...

 

[Double A]

Now all we need is a shrink ray and space travel will cost a week's worth of minimum wage in a developing nation.

 

[ZeletDude]

This is super cool.

 

[PlutonianEmpire]

Wait, so all we really need to get into space is a big balloon? And we wasted so much on rocket fuel...

Not quite.

Assuming we could build a perfect invincible balloon, there's no way in hell it could reach escape velocity, if one wanted to leave Earth orbit.

Instead, it will go higher and higher until the air density of the air surrounding the balloon falls to a certain level, depending on the air inside the balloon. The balloon may go a bit higher, due to its momentum, but Earth's gravity will pull it back down, and will bob up and down until it floats on top of the atmosphere forever, once the outside air pressure is just right.

Lol, yay science.

 

[Commodore]

Not quite.

Assuming we could build a perfect invincible balloon, there's no way in hell it could reach escape velocity, if one wanted to leave Earth orbit.

Instead, it will go higher and higher until the air density of the air surrounding the balloon falls to a certain level, depending on the air inside the balloon. The balloon may go a bit higher, due to its momentum, but Earth's gravity will pull it back down, and will bob up and down until it floats on top of the atmosphere forever, once the outside air pressure is just right.

Lol, yay science.

So I should stop working on my balloon to Mars project?

On a more serious note, yes this is a very cool video and it shows that if you have the know how and the materials, anyone can share in the experience of space exploration. Even if it is in a small way like this.

 

[cav scout]

Instead, it will go higher and higher until the air density of the air surrounding the balloon falls to a certain level, depending on the air inside the balloon. The balloon may go a bit higher, due to its momentum, but Earth's gravity will pull it back down, and will bob up and down until it floats on top of the atmosphere forever, once the outside air pressure is just right.

And once we get to that altitude then we turn on the rockets.

 

[Winner]

And once we get to that altitude then we turn on the rockets.

How would that help us? The rocket would still have to reach the orbital velocity of about 7.8 km/s. All you'd achieve with a high-altitude balloon launch would be the elimination of the relatively minor effect of air drag in the lower atmosphere. You'd do that at the enormous cost of making a huuuuuuuuge balloon lift the rocket tens of kilometres into the air.

Not worth it, not by a long shot.

---

Anyway, I saw the video some time ago, and it's very cool. I like the high-altitude amateur HD videos, they show that even with very limited resources, a guy today can achieve what was quite difficult and expensive 65 years ago.

 

[Crezth]

Ah, so this is what we've been doing wrong.

 

[Andvare]

Yes, but how does it handle reentry?
And what payload can the LEGO craft carry?
Is there any commercial possibility in a LEGO/balloon satellite deployment system, or is it just a lot of useless, hoity-toity, ivory tower, so-called science?

 

[Winner]

Yes, but how does in handle reentry?
And what payload can the LEGO craft carry?
Is there any commercial possibility in a LEGO/balloon satellite deployment system, or is it just a lot of useless, hoity-toity, ivory tower, so-called science?

I heard NASA will provide $ 4 billion for further development of Commercial LEGO Flights to resupply the ISS...

 

[Verarde]

How about commercial trips into space aboard a LEGO shuttle?

 

[pi-r8]

How would that help us? The rocket would still have to reach the orbital velocity of about 7.8 km/s. All you'd achieve with a high-altitude balloon launch would be the elimination of the relatively minor effect of air drag in the lower atmosphere. You'd do that at the enormous cost of making a huuuuuuuuge balloon lift the rocket tens of kilometres into the air.

Not worth it, not by a long shot.

Suppose we lifted up a really long grappling hook by balloon, and fired it at the moon...

 

[Double A]

Yes, but how does it handle reentry?
And what payload can the LEGO craft carry?
Is there any commercial possibility in a LEGO/balloon satellite deployment system, or is it just a lot of useless, hoity-toity, ivory tower, so-called science?

It has a badass parachute so fairly well.
More LEGOs.
LEGO moon colony.

 

[choxorn]

Not quite.

Assuming we could build a perfect invincible balloon, there's no way in hell it could reach escape velocity, if one wanted to leave Earth orbit.

Instead, it will go higher and higher until the air density of the air surrounding the balloon falls to a certain level, depending on the air inside the balloon. The balloon may go a bit higher, due to its momentum, but Earth's gravity will pull it back down, and will bob up and down until it floats on top of the atmosphere forever, once the outside air pressure is just right.

Lol, yay science.

The balloon would only do that for a few days. You know how when you have a balloon down here, it stops floating after a while becuase all the Helium escaped out?

Well, the same thing will happen in space. Give it enough time, and the Balloon stops floating.

 

[Double A]

Because there totally is an atmosphere in space!

 

[Antilogic]

I want to get a LEGO space shuttle now. I miss playing with those things.

 

[Winner]

I want to get a LEGO space shuttle now. I miss playing with those things.

I had the same thought when I first saw the video.

 

[DroopyTofu]

The balloon would only do that for a few days. You know how when you have a balloon down here, it stops floating after a while becuase all the Helium escaped out?

Well, the same thing will happen in space. Give it enough time, and the Balloon stops floating.

He said:

Assuming we could build a perfect invincible balloon, there's no way in hell it could reach escape velocity, if one wanted to leave Earth orbit.

Instead, it will go higher and higher until the air density of the air surrounding the balloon falls to a certain level, depending on the air inside the balloon.

(bolded for effect)


Even if this doesn't replace rocket fuel, it's still cool to know that if I really really wanted I could launch something to close-to-outer-space. I doubt I ever will, but it's nice to know I can And I second the move for a LEGO Moon Base or atleast a LEGO space station.

 

[choxorn]

Fine, if you could build a balloon that Helium couldn't escape from, it would work, but it's still impossible and impractical if it even was possible.