There is no subtle way to say this: Brian Walker plans to shoot himself nearly 20 miles into the air aboard a homemade rocket launched from what could be the world's largest crossbow. (Seriously.)
This isn't Walker's first outlandish invention. He's responsible for the “light chaser†whirly toy, a 300-gallon water-balloon launcher (for putting out forest fires – still in prototype), and Taser gloves (featured in “Garage Geniuses Go Prime Time,†issue 14.03). But Project RUSH – for “rapid up superhigh†– is hands down his most preposterously dangerous effort. “I missed out on the opportunity to be the first private citizen to fly to the edge of space in a private rocket, so I decided to do something even more fun,†Walker says. (Wired)
Why This Trend Is Growing
- DIY Space Launches
- The trend of developing homemade rockets with unusual launch mechanics for space travel emerges as a possible alternative to traditional methods of space exploration.
- Extreme Inventions
- The trend of inventors building the largest and most dangerous equipment in search of adventure and recognition disrupts traditional notions of invention and safety.
- Innovative Emergency Fire Equipment
- The trend of developing creative equipment and tools for emergency workers in fighting fires using methods outside the usual scope may revolutionize how fires are managed.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Aerospace
- Cutting-edge innovations for space exploration including personalized space exploration could disrupt the aerospace industry.
- Invention
- The trend of inventors pursuing increasingly extreme and dangerous projects could disrupt the traditional concepts of invention, safety, and risk management.
- Emergency Response
- Innovations in equipment and tools for first responders in the fire-fighting sector could transform emergency service industries and associated equipment.
