Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in the Mediterranean

Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by sajithdilshan on Monday April 21, 2014 @09:05AM (#7620850)

Why don't they just eject those chemical weapons into outer space? Even though its expensive, it's safer than just dumping it into the sea. Our generation might not suffer the consequences of this. But our children, and grandchildren will surely suffer from these environmental pollution.

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Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by aegiso on Monday April 21, 2014 @10:26AM (#7621172)

Because space isn't this thing where you eject stuff like a garbage chute.

I recommend reading up on rocketry, orbital mechanics, and modern space programs because a) it's really cool stuff! and b) you'd quickly realize how ridiculous, dangerous, and counterproductive this suggestion is.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by StavrosK on Monday April 21, 2014 @11:31AM (#7621538)

Or just play Kerbal Space Program, judging by people who are into it.

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Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by rdl on Monday April 21, 2014 @09:12AM (#7620873)

Chemical or thermal destruction would be a lot safer and cheaper.

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Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by Tortoise on Monday April 21, 2014 @11:13AM (#7621441)

A really reliable rocket is successful 95% of the time. What do you do the other 5% of the time when the rocket explodes/crashes. http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/log2012.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_insurance

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Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by NAFV_P on Monday April 21, 2014 @09:16AM (#7620880)

> Why don't they just eject those chemical weapons into outer space?

What if it falls back to Earth?

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Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by ddorian43 on Monday April 21, 2014 @09:19AM (#7620891)

burned upon reentry

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Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by DanBC on Monday April 21, 2014 @09:23AM (#7620901)

What if the rocket fails before it gets to space, and falls back to Earth?

Or if it explodes in the atmosphere, scattering chemical weapons (some of which will remain unburnt) throughout the atmosphere.

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Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by NAFV_P on Monday April 21, 2014 @09:36AM (#7620947)

> What if the rocket fails before it gets to space, and falls back to Earth?

Excellent point, there are many things that could go wrong in the short time to low Earth orbit.

Not only that, it is incredibly expensive.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by sillysaurus3 on Monday April 21, 2014 @09:28AM (#7620915)

I wonder if a space elevator will ever be viable...

Is a space elevator a fantasy? Have people given up on it?

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Re:Uproar over plan to dispose of Syrian chemical weapons in... by QuasarLogic on Monday April 21, 2014 @09:49AM (#7621006)

Fountains of Paradise by Arthur C. Clarke is a great book about space elevators.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/149049.The_Fountains_of_...

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