Blog Post: Danes In Space?
Kristian Von Bengtson and Peter Madsen have created something truly spectacular by executing an idea that would normally include NASA and billions of dollars.
You’ve probably already heard or read about the Danish space project as several offline and online media worldwide has given the project massive coverage (e.g. Wired, Gizmodo, Discovery and Space.com).
The Danish “Tycho Brahe” Spacecraft
But we think the project deserves a bit of our attention as well. Why? In short: it’s a fantastic project. Kristian Von Bengtson and Peter Madsen have created something truly spectacular by executing an idea that would normally include NASA and billions of dollars. Instead, they have built their very own Spacecraft and floating platform, and they are now about to launch their HEAT 1X it for the very first time. If the test launch, including a dummy, is successful, they will improve the rocket before sending Peter Madsen into space – making Denmark just the fourth country in the world to complete a manned journey into space… And in sharp contrast to the United States, the Soviet Union and China, the Danes will do it without government funding.
A few other interesting facts:
- The rocket’s heat shield is made of cork.
- The valves are being heated by a 15€ hairdryer.
- Every bit of technology in the project is open source – thus free for any company or person to use.
- Around 20 different sponsors are helping out with e.g. radar technology.
- Peter Madsen has helped design and construct three submarines, including Nautilus – the largest homemade submarine in the world.
- The floating launch platform will be towed into the Baltic Sea by the Nautilus submarine.
- Von Bengtson and Madsen have been updating their progress on The Something Awful Forum Cost of the project? Around 50.000 euros. Or the same price as a well-equipped mid-size car here in Denmark.
- The Copenhagen Suborbital HQ is situated on Refshaleøen in Copenhagen, only a few hundred meters in beeline from our office.
At this very moment, the Nautilus submarine, the launch platform and the HEAT 1X rocket are well on their way to the launch spot near the island of Bornholm. Follow this (Danish) blog for updates.
At Fourmation, we celebrate proactive people doing unexpected things and executing impossible projects. That’s why we pay our outmost respect to The Copenhagen Suborbital and the two Danish daredevils.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wired and Copenhagen Suborbitals