EXTREME(ly stupid) SPORTS!

[jeriendhal]

Yes! You too can take a page from yet another crappy episode of ST: Voyager and launch yourself into orbit, not inside a relatively safe space capsule, but strapped to the actual nose of the rocket, guide yourself gently to the ISS for a brief stay, and then parachute to the ground, protected only by a heat shield strapped to your back and nothing else.

Link: http://www.thespacereview.com/article/603/1

While all of this nonsense is technically feasiable, actually doing it is something I doubt even the most insane thrillseeker would contemplate. Though I'd love to see NASA's face when the would-be astronaut proposes flinging himself to the ISS with no more guidance than a GPS monitor.

Comments

[kodi]

While all of this nonsense is technically feasiable, actually doing it is something I doubt even the most insane thrillseeker would contemplate.

Reasons this idea sounds attractive:

(1) It's like riding a motorcycle without a helmet - any serious problem is likely to result in a fatal accident, at which point you're no longer concerned. Which is worse - evaporating in re-entry, or having no choice but to cut off your own arm with a cheap pocketknife?

(2) It's like playing the lottery instead of blackjack - the expectation value is worse, but the utility value is higher; you only have to win once and you can get out of the game. I think this is the sort of thrill many people could be content seeking only once.

(3) If you're the sort of person who's going to die doing something stupid anyway, why not pick something mind-numbingly awesome? It sure beats buying a 998cc bike and dying on the Fishhook a few days later.

[jeriendhal.livejournal.com]

Oh, fun. The Fishhook looks like a great way to experience a second or two of microgravity without the need for expensive rockets. ^_^

And I agree your reasoning why someone would do this is sound. I just think there are a lot less expensive ways to put your life in mortal danger...

[kd5mdk.livejournal.com]

I read a "Boy's Life" article called "Spacedive" about a decade ago. Rather similar, although it might have used a beanstalk (don't remember) and it was much less "low cost" focused than this article.

[wondergecko.livejournal.com]

...no, thanks.