Ridiculous British moonshot question

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In summary, the conversation was about the feasibility of a British manned space program to the moon. While one person argued that there were no suitable locations in the UK for launching spacecraft, the other suggested using Montserrat or the Ascension Islands. They also discussed the possibility of using a ship to transport the spacecraft to the equator for launch. However, both parties admitted they were not studying physics at university and questioned the logistics of such a plan. The conversation then turned to the idea of using a sea launch platform, potentially with holes in the bottom to allow thrust to pass through. The mention of Diego Garcia was also brought up as a potential location for assembling and launching the spacecraft.
  • #1
Sam98
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Got into a debate/conversation with a friend, about a theoretical British manned space programme to the moon
She held the position that there was no suitable place in the UK or in one of our dependencies that you could launch manned conventional spacecraft from.
(I had argued that Montserrat or the Ascension islands could be used.)

She had thought that a ship could be used to carry a rocket from the UK to the equator and the spacecraft could be launched from it.
(neither of us are studying physics at uni)

I wondered wether that was possible, surely the thrust from a rocket capable of reaching the moon (either a Saturn V or a Soviet N1) would sink a floating launch platform?

If this is so, how much force would be required from under the boat would be required to prevent it being pushed into the sea?

What size and speed would the boat have to move at to be able to move a spacecraft and launch it (traveling from say Plymouth to the point the Prime Meridian crosses the equator in the Atlantic in 2 weeks) Thanks for humoring me!
 
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  • #2
Perhaps the sea launch vehicle has holes in the bottom so the thrust goes through the platform as opposed onto the platform? Current sea launch platforms may not do this, but one for a larger rocket might. Wiki article on sea launch:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Launch
 
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  • #3
Ah had not thought of that.
 
  • #4
Two words: Diego Garcia.
 
  • #5
I suppose stuff could be shipped to and assembled on Diego Garcia pretty easily.
 

1. What is the "Ridiculous British moonshot question"?

The "Ridiculous British moonshot question" is a hypothetical scenario proposed by the British Astronomer Royal, Sir Martin Rees, in which he asks what would happen if the British government announced a plan to send a group of astronauts to land on the moon within the next two years.

2. Is this moonshot question actually being considered by the British government?

No, the "Ridiculous British moonshot question" is purely a thought experiment and has not been seriously considered by the British government.

3. What is the purpose of this moonshot question?

The purpose of the moonshot question is to challenge our perspectives on space exploration and to encourage discussions on the potential benefits and drawbacks of such an ambitious goal.

4. What are some potential challenges of attempting a moon landing within two years?

Some potential challenges could include the high costs of such a mission, the lack of necessary technology and infrastructure, and the potential risks to the safety of the astronauts involved.

5. Could a moon landing within two years be possible in the future?

While it is currently not feasible, with advancements in technology and resources, it is possible that a moon landing within two years could be achieved in the future.

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