Doubting qualifications?
"....these boys previously built a submarine...."
Er, that's not exactly Rocket Science you know?
(Oh come on, someone had to say it).
Danish rocket enthusiasts are poised for the first test launch of of a vehicle they hope will one day carry adventurous passengers on a sub-orbital jaunt. Copenhagen Suborbital's Hybrid Exo Atmospheric Transporter (HEAT) is designed to lift the "Tycho Brahe" micro spacecraft, described as "a pressurized volume providing …
The group have made some test firings of the rocket engine to check its thrust, and this seems to be O.K. The engine works by blowing high-pressure oxygen (from a LOX tank) through a tube lined with a combustible based on paraffin, so it is basically the same principle as Mythbusters' salami rocket. The advantage over a solid-fuel rocket is safety: You can regulate the amount of oxygen and even shut it completely off if something goes wrong.
Nevertheless, I wouldn't volunteer for the first manned flight. But these people are more adventurous than me.
It's called a hybrid (One liquid component, one solid normally liquid oxidiser, solid fuel)
It' the system Virgin Galactic are using to propel the 2nd stage of their sub orbital when it's dropped by the carrier aircraft.
Technically simplest and safest but historically lowest performance (that might change depending on better understanding of the combustion processes, selection of better fuel material and perhaps embedding of metal bits in the fuel to enhance heat transfer into it from the burning surface).
There are some issues with some large oscillations in the engine, which they think will be OK (we shall see), but they don't have the funds for more extensive ground testing. Also, this is an UNGUIDED rocket. ie.it's goes in the direction it is pointed, and if affected by wind. So they have to limit it to 30s in case it goes very off course. 30s should be enough to stop it running in to anything landlike. They also have a valve cut off for the LOX.
There is a pyrotechnic system to separate the nose form the main body - this is where the parachute is kept I believe.
And yes, it really is just a big firework, but without the big bang at the end. They hope. (It's a hybrid so cannot explode in the traditional sense)
It's a bit seat of pants, but i guess someone has to try this stuff!
test their rocket with den lille havfrue as passenger ? She looks so lonely sitting there on her rock in the harbour, so she'd certainly appreciate a little excursion....
Henri
PS : Pity there's only Paris as symbol of feminine pulchritude here, but a Tuborg will do....