fut-lnr_v_bw_o_n (ca. 1968, Stanford Univ. photo)
“LUNAR POGO STICK for astronauts being designed at Stanford University will take advantage of the moon’s weak gravity to hop across the rugged moonscape in 50-foot jumps. Gyroscopes will keep the astronaut upright. Compressed gas in globes will fuel the piston bouncing mechanism at about 10 miles to the gallon. Other globes contain rocket fuel for jet steering to landings. (Drawing by Jim M’Guinness, Stanford Publications Service.”
The above is per the original, verso-affixed Stanford University description. The following is from the subsequently affixed newspaper clipping:
“A pogo stick complete with gyroscopes and rocket jets, is being developed at Stanford University for hopping across the surface of the moon.
Even its guidance may be computerized for astronauts as it takes 50 foot jumps. The leaping will not be accomplished by the jets with their excessive fuel consumption, but by against the moon’s surface with a foot, after the manner of a kangaroo, rabbit or frog.
“The moon has no air to fly in, no water to float on, no road to roll over.” Said project leader Dr. Howard S. Seifert, professor of aeronautical engineering, at a recent seminar on the Stanford campus.”
This is terrible, both the concept AND the artwork! But it’s what makes it endearing. I actually remember seeing this as a child, and even then, thinking “WTH ([H=Heck], I didn’t yet know the f-word)? NO way” & “I hope not.”
Apparently, Dr. Seifert is to ‘blame’ for not only this, but the other even more elaborate, dangerous & preposterous pogo stick means of lunar locomotion. Take a look…exotic…but YIKES:
cyberneticzoo.com/walking-machines/1967-lunar-leaper-dr-h...
Credit: Reuben Hoggett at his delightful “Cybernetic Zoo” website
The works within the following help to explain the look of Mr. M’Guinness’s lunar pogo stick rendering:
law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Stanford_Lawy...
Credit: Stanford Law School website
fut-lnr_v_bw_o_n (ca. 1968, Stanford Univ. photo)
“LUNAR POGO STICK for astronauts being designed at Stanford University will take advantage of the moon’s weak gravity to hop across the rugged moonscape in 50-foot jumps. Gyroscopes will keep the astronaut upright. Compressed gas in globes will fuel the piston bouncing mechanism at about 10 miles to the gallon. Other globes contain rocket fuel for jet steering to landings. (Drawing by Jim M’Guinness, Stanford Publications Service.”
The above is per the original, verso-affixed Stanford University description. The following is from the subsequently affixed newspaper clipping:
“A pogo stick complete with gyroscopes and rocket jets, is being developed at Stanford University for hopping across the surface of the moon.
Even its guidance may be computerized for astronauts as it takes 50 foot jumps. The leaping will not be accomplished by the jets with their excessive fuel consumption, but by against the moon’s surface with a foot, after the manner of a kangaroo, rabbit or frog.
“The moon has no air to fly in, no water to float on, no road to roll over.” Said project leader Dr. Howard S. Seifert, professor of aeronautical engineering, at a recent seminar on the Stanford campus.”
This is terrible, both the concept AND the artwork! But it’s what makes it endearing. I actually remember seeing this as a child, and even then, thinking “WTH ([H=Heck], I didn’t yet know the f-word)? NO way” & “I hope not.”
Apparently, Dr. Seifert is to ‘blame’ for not only this, but the other even more elaborate, dangerous & preposterous pogo stick means of lunar locomotion. Take a look…exotic…but YIKES:
cyberneticzoo.com/walking-machines/1967-lunar-leaper-dr-h...
Credit: Reuben Hoggett at his delightful “Cybernetic Zoo” website
The works within the following help to explain the look of Mr. M’Guinness’s lunar pogo stick rendering:
law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Stanford_Lawy...
Credit: Stanford Law School website