Canon EOS 5D Mark II
ƒ/10
100 mm
1/4,000
500

With launch sequence photos below.

The fiery blast of fairy dust is white hot titanium sponge spraying from a vintage Animal Motor Works N2801 Skidmark motor, roaring with a deep subwoofer body rumble in the desert.

Click photo to enlarge. And here’s our HD video compilation, with footage from Pad Cam One and Two, marked above in the mouse-over notes.

5 responses to “Attack of the 50 ft. Plume”

  1. Moment of ignition (we used two Wildman Big’Ems taped to a slice of home-brew propellant and held in place with a tower of wooden dowels):
    IMG_8206

    0.25 seconds later, a big blast (The next four thumbnails are clickable to enlarge):
    A BIG Blastoff

    Dirt flying everywhere (looking up from pad)
    Screen shot 2011-09-21 at 9.54.20 PM
    Screen shot 2011-09-21 at 9.56.03 PM

    Punching through the clouds

    Punching Through the Clouds

    And off she goes, a glowing supersonic finger in the sky

    IMG_8217

    And here are photos of the 6-hour prep on the playa.

  2. I’m really looking forward to getting back on site and having actual internet again, so I can watch all the videos and look at all these pics.

  3. Very nice. But a shame to waste titanium!

  4. My kid said she wants a rocket… after looking at your recent sparkly pictures:)

  5. I am studying mechanical engineer at the moment and Im really impressed with your ability to build rockets just like that !! wow ! How did you get to do this ? You must me an engineer dont you ?

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