Generation 1 (early 1960s) begs, borrows, etc. empty metal cigar tubes, CO2 cartridges (after gas is discharged), aluminum foil, match heads (fuel), etc. and assembles rocket rigged with automatically deployable parachutes and life support capsules enclosing bugs, beetles, earth worms, etc. Gen 1’s parents may not have known about this (chief protagonist can’t remember). Gen 1 launches rocket, twice. Ist mission remarkably successful, gently parachuting living creatures to earth for immediate reunion with loved ones. 2nd mission modestly successful. Parachute deploys, but is on fire. Rocket hits neighbors’ roof with impressive terminal velocity. Rapidly procured garden hose saves roof and associated house. Protagonists parents learn about 2nd mission, after the fact, and terminate program.
Gen 3 (late 2010s) takes sophisticated, preassembled rocket, attaches state of art camera, and amazes Gen 1 with video. Parental involvement duly noted, much admired, and appreciated.
Generation 1 (early 1960s) begs, borrows, etc. empty metal cigar tubes, CO2 cartridges (after gas is discharged), aluminum foil, match heads (fuel), etc. and assembles rocket rigged with automatically deployable parachutes and life support capsules enclosing bugs, beetles, earth worms, etc. Gen 1’s parents may not have known about this (chief protagonist can’t remember). Gen 1 launches rocket, twice. Ist mission remarkably successful, gently parachuting living creatures to earth for immediate reunion with loved ones. 2nd mission modestly successful. Parachute deploys, but is on fire. Rocket hits neighbors’ roof with impressive terminal velocity. Rapidly procured garden hose saves roof and associated house. Protagonists parents learn about 2nd mission, after the fact, and terminate program.
Gen 3 (late 2010s) takes sophisticated, preassembled rocket, attaches state of art camera, and amazes Gen 1 with video. Parental involvement duly noted, much admired, and appreciated.