# World's Largest Crossbow Propel Yourself Into Space By Trend Spotter | Published 2006-06-08 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/worlds-largest-crossbow-propel-yourself-into-space References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.06/start.html?pg=11) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uahpet-iretriever-dog-ball-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) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rechargeable Child Rocket Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-geographic-power-rocket.md) - [Creator-Backed Toy Guns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mrbeast.md) - [Space-Inspired Toy Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-collections.md) - [Accessible Space Travel Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-elevator-concept.md) - [Motor-Driven Jumping Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elastic-band-robot.md) - [Revolutionary Reusable Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reusable-rockets.md) - [Wooden Military Replica Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/m142-himars.md) - [Adult-Targeted Foam Disc Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disc-blaster.md) - [Hypersonic Launch Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle.md)