Not exactly Nasa! Ugandan space chief builds test craft in his mother's muddy back yard.
53 replies, posted
[img]http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/02/article-0-0F06480C00000578-71_634x481.jpg[/img]
[QUOTE]This is the Ugandan aircraft that Africa hopes will thrust it right into the space race.
Constructed amidst the rubble of his mother's backyard, ambitious Chris NSamba believes the African Skyhawk will lead to his continent launching its first astronaut into orbit.
The African Space Research Programme founder has been helped by 600 volunteers in partially achieving the first stage of his dream - the creation of the plane that will penetrate the edge of space by flying at 80,000ft.
And once the African Skyhawk has had a successful test flight sometime next year, the 28-year-old plans to turn his hand to building the continent's first space shuttle.
He firmly believes it will launch in the next 'four to six years'. But given the condition of his project at the moment, he might be advised to buy a gigantic rubber band to help it on its way.
The former astronomy student said: 'It isn't about money, it isn't about competition or pride.
'The mission is about advancement in space technology as a continent and what we can contribute towards that growth.
'We are trying to have Africa participate in the contribution of knowledge into mankind's destiny.'
The cynical may question how NSamba can launch his own space programme without any money, and be entirely reliant on donations.
They may also ask how it can be achieved, seeing as Uganda has no history of space exploration and he is teaching the aspiring astronauts himself.But he said he was confident the Skyhawk's test flight would take place next year, and he would have a fully fledged space shuttle in operation in 'four to six years'.'I've got a jet engine on order so I'm planning to build a tunnel, put the engine at one end and when I throw a guy in he'll float in a similar way to how he would in space.'
- Chris NSambaHe added: 'This is not a one-man mission. We work jointly to achieve goals.'I have trained my crew (in) advanced astronomy. They are very good at astronomy in regards to calculations and identifications of various space objects.'And when asked how he plans to simulate zero gravity for training, he said it would be 'easy'.He added: 'I've got a jet engine on order so I'm planning to build a tunnel, put the engine at one end and when I throw a guy in he'll float in a similar way to how he would in space.'NSamba, who admits that 'one time or another every successful scientists has been called a madman' has been toiling away in his mother's backyard, in the Kampala suburb of Ntinda, for three years.But despite the challenges he faces, he said was confident his space shuttle, dubbed The Dynacraft, would be ready sooner rather than later.And he cited funding from foreigners, and the promise of cash from the Ugandan government, as markers to their ongoing success.He said: 'It will first operate in Earth's lower orbit then advance with time. We might not have money in our system but we do get our homework done.'
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Source: [url]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2069222/Not-exactly-NASA-Ugandan-space-chief-builds-test-craft-mothers-yard-says-shuttle-orbit-2015.html[/url]
At least its a step in the right direction.
[QUOTE=Zero!;33564493]
At least its a step in the right direction.[/QUOTE]
Into the house.
[quote]And when asked how he plans to simulate zero gravity for training, he said it would be 'easy'.He added: 'I've got a jet engine on order so I'm planning to build a tunnel, put the engine at one end and when I throw a guy in he'll float in a similar way to how he would in space.[/quote]
That's amazing.
I somewhat doubt that will fly.
Alright, now who's crazy enough to test it?
Any time the Ugandan Airforce is mentioned this image is burned in my head:
[img]http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2010/07/28/who-killed-captain-alex.jpg[/img]
...Shouldn't they be focussing on more important issues
Like poverty?
[quote]"I've got a jet engine on order so I'm planning to build a tunnel, put the engine at one end and when I throw a guy in he'll float in a similar way to how he would in space."[/quote]
Pretty sure it's not as simple as sticking a jet engine at the end of a tunnel.
[editline]4th December 2011[/editline]
I'm also pretty sure that plane doesn't have the tech to take a human to 80,000 feet.
[QUOTE=JgcxCub;33564538]...Shouldn't they be focussing on more important issues
Like poverty?[/QUOTE]
Entertainment is important for health too.
i remember when some african dude built a plane but didn't manage to get it to fly
[QUOTE=JgcxCub;33564538]...Shouldn't they be focussing on more important issues
Like poverty?[/QUOTE]
This isn't currently a program funded by the Government or anything, it basically sounds like one man with an incredible vision. I'm already impressed.
[QUOTE].'And when asked how he plans to simulate zero gravity for training, he said it would be 'easy'.He added: 'I've got a jet engine on order so I'm planning to build a tunnel, put the engine at one end and when I throw a guy in he'll float in a similar way to how he would in space[/QUOTE]
Wouldn't the guy be completely incinerated though?
I doubt it would even fly let alone get to space.
Looks pretty good for something built in a muddy backyard, but I somehow doubt it'll get to the 80,000ft he's hoping for.
If that thing actually works I want DIY instructions.
i read the title as space thief
i want to be a space thief
Even though it's probably gonna end bad, I still do admire their dedication and spirit.
[QUOTE=Electrocuter;33564545]Pretty sure it's not as simple as sticking a jet engine at the end of a tunnel.
[editline]4th December 2011[/editline]
I'm also pretty sure that plane doesn't have the tech to take a human to 80,000 feet.[/QUOTE]
If vostok could do it he can do it.
[QUOTE=Baldr 2.0;33565067]Somaliland is getting competition.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQb0d7rYp9o[/media][/QUOTE]
I was about to go find that and post it.
I wonder if the African DIY Aerospace industry will take off anytime soon.
Lol thats a fuckin glider
I don't know why, but I laugh whenever I see or hear the word Uganda. :v:
[QUOTE=Talkbox;33565374]Lol thats a fuckin glider[/QUOTE]
No... its going to have a jet engine.
i love this kind of news, it just makes you feel all warm inside
Watch it actually work 100% and Uganda colonises Mars by 2015
