Hi Rick,
I agree that Mark Canepa's book is a good read.
The Tripoli Research Committee (of which I'm a member) has only
reviewed one proposal for a liquid fueled project in the past few years.
The reasons for its rejection were discussed here a few months back. As
Terry pointed out, there is no "ban" on liquids. The priority will always
be to protect the safety of non-involved launch attendees and to maintain
the insurance policy which makes the TRA launches possible.
If anyone has questions about the framework for a proposal to Tripoli
for liquids or for other projects outside the current safety codes, please
feel free to contact me off list.
-John DeMar
On Wed, Mar 2, 2022 at 11:27 AM <willsrw@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi
I must recommend the following book: Large and Dangerous Rockets Ships: A
History of High-Power Rocketry Ascent to the Edges of Outer Space, by Mark
Canepa.
I can’t believe I watched all this from the sidelines when it was
happening. So many people I’ve met over the years are discussed. I’m even
quoted from an 1994 interview at Argonia, KS during a rocket launch. Hey,
I made the history books.
An interesting comparison is the issue the amateur liquid bi propellant
rocket community is currently undergoing with Tripoli. Originally, NAR did
not want motors larger than Fs. A G motor was too big and not allowed at
launches. Eventually, motors grew in size (up to Ls) and Tripoli was
formed. The high power movement started small but grew. Eventually,
forming Tripoli. Now, Tripoli has a ban on bi propellant liquid
propelled rockets. The question is will the amateur liquids movement grow
and evolute enough to create a new organization or be accepted into an
existing one.
Times are interesting.
Rick Wills
