Amateur Rocket Launch to 121,000' at Mach 3 On-board Video - Qu8k - Near Space Launch

Showing the views from a FlipHD and a GoPro side by side you get a first hand view of what it is like to fly to 121,000 feet. These cameras flew on September 30, 2011 at 11:08am on Derek Deville's Qu8k (pronounced "Quake") launched from the Black Rock Desert in Nevada before returning safely to earth.

A plastic cover that was protecting the protruding portion of the GoPro began to melt due to aerodynamic heating and can be seen as streaks passing by the lens. A small bit of this molten plastic re-solidifies over a portion of the lens.

Being above 99% of the atmosphere, the sky turns black in the middle of the day and the curvature of the earth is clearly visible. The rocket motor produced 4,000 lbs of thrust for 8 seconds accelerating the vehicle to over Mach 3.

Full Length Video:

• Qu8k - BALLS 20 -...

More Pictures and Info -- http://ddeville.com/derek/Qu8k.html
source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cvYIHIgH-s