I remember watching debunking video of this years ago. If I remember right, the problem was how to stop a projectile (a rocket in this case) from spining once it's released. I need to find that video ...

[–] CheeseNoodle@lemmy.world 9 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I did watch that and there are problems but the debunking video itself was really bad and acted like there were problems that had already been addressed in the video it was a direct response too. It still seems like a crazy idea but they have had test launches and there didn't seem to be a spinning issue.

[–] ChaoticNeutralCzech@feddit.org 2 points 2 weeks ago

There are many more problems... Creating that vacuum takes time and the centripetal forces involved limit what you can launch. Mammals and complex machinery are a no-go.

[–] Arghblarg@lemmy.ca 8 points 3 weeks ago

OK, but couldn't the item have some small thrusters with a control system to cancel out any tumbling/spinning once it's launched? That would require some fuel, but a lot less than required for a traditional launch...

And wouldn't fins like on an arrow take care of stabilizing spin around the major(?) axis?

Pls don't flame me, I'm not a physicist or rocket-scientist :)

[–] JohnDClay@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 weeks ago

Did it tumble during it's test launch?

[–] ChaoticNeutralCzech@feddit.org 2 points 2 weeks ago

Thunderf00t made a good one.