Ansari X Prize

by Eddie Elliot

Project Description

This exhibit is sponsored by Ansari - the group that sponsored the X Prize to "the first non-government organization to launch a reusable manned spacecraft into space twice within two weeks".

The focus of the exhibit is a large model rocket. A structural pillar near the exhibit is used as a gantry. Behind the rocket is a console with a video display, 10 red lamps, and 3 large lighted pushbuttons. The video display shows stock footage of various rocket launches, along with sound.

When the visitor presses the first button, a video of a rocket launch countdown is displayed. As the announcer counts down, the red lights light in sequence.

Midway through the countdown the visitor is asked whether to proceed with the launch. The visitor presses the next button to proceed. Mist is visible at the rocket engines. The countdown proceeds.

At the end of the countdown the visitor is told to press the last button to blast off. In addition to the mist, a fan is turned on inside the rocket forcing larger quantities of mist through the rocket nozzles. Bright red lights flash, making the mist appear red. This is synchronized with the rocket taking off on the video, along with a loud soundtrack. With the assistance of a big subwoofer, there is a lot of rocket noise and vibration and the rocket takes off...