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Can you tell us about how the banana will be...

Lee Sonko Mar 11, 2008
Posted by Kava_just_me_318_icon

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  • Kava_just_me_318_square
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    Lee Sonko started this discussion on Mar 11, 2008

    Can you tell us about how the banana will be launched. I’d think that’s one of the most expensive parts. But then, I’ve never tried to launch a 300 meter long banana into the stratosphere. The launch window seems a bit small… monies raised by June for an August launch? Again, I’ve never built a 300 meter long banana but it’d probably take me longer than that to make it and shove it into one of those tiny space capsules etc…

    I’m very excited at the prospect of this happening!

  • Kava_just_me_318_square
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    Lee Sonko replied on Mar 11, 2008

    Hmm. I don’t know why my previous comment has “very” crossed out. I really am excited about this! Ah, I got it… putting your words between dashes makes crossouts like this. That’s not very intuitive :-( Bananas are far more intuitive

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    Cesar Saez replied on Mar 18, 2008

    Yes, you are right, the launching of the piece is expensive, it also requires a large staff to do it. However, the most expensive part is the production of the final banana, which will be done right before the launch. The experimentations, tests and all the logistics prior to this final production are what took time, but the actual production of the final piece will only take three weeks and we have a window of six weeks.

    Also, note that the banana will not be rocket-launched; filled with helium, it will take off on its own.

    Concerning your comments in the Members section :

    “Define “success” a little clearer : ie. What if it only flies for a week?”

    All the tests indicate that the banana will stay up for at least three weeks and possibly longer, up to five weeks. Less than this is unexpected. After four weeks, we will terminate the piece in order to control its fall and burning into the atmosphere.

    and “Are photos and video feeds built into the price of the project? (for us poor souls who aren´t in Texas)”:

    On the website, the banana position will be indicated over a map, so that people can go out and spot it. We have also planned to attach a video camera to a telescope in order to get a closer view of the piece; this will also be on the website through a video stream. However, what will be more dramatic is the documentation aspect of this project, we will have several cameras documenting peoples reaction to this apparition in the sky. We will also encourage the public to send their feeds and post them on the website.