Post-Mortem: Giant Rubber Band Launch #8

Summary

Operator successfully achieved launch. Trajectory was within 5 degrees of target path. However, the rubber band, upon release, contracted faster than anticipated and wrapped around the operator's left ankle, resulting in a return to launch position at approximately 200 mph.

Damage Report

• Operator: compressed to 6 inches tall (temporary)
• Rubber band: intact (reusable)
• Mesa anchor point #2: minor crack
• Operator dignity: not recoverable

Lessons Learned

Rubber bands are elastic. This means they pull things back. We should have anticipated this.

Recommendation

Switch to a one-way propulsion system. See: Rocket-Powered Roller Skates project.