HOTOL - Spaceplane of the future Thumblegudget 2021-03-20 | HOTOL was a 1980s British project to build a totally reusable Space Shuttle. The project was cancelled and as it existed in the pre-internet age it's hard to find information about it.Whilst I was making my Spaceplanes video I came across a HOTOL brochure from 1985. I thought I would go through it and give an overview of this extremely interesting project.For an explanation of why I think SSTO spaceplanes are the future of space travel check out my spaceplanes video:youtube.com/watch?v=wG8XO8-NgSEI'd like to thank the Secret Projects Forum as the source for a lot of the resources used in making this video:secretprojects.co.uk/threads/bae-hotol.277The background rolling Earth orbit video is from:"ORBIT - A Journey Around Earth in Real Time"youtube.com/watch?v=7KXGZAEWzn0
The Legend of the Flight Engineers Hat Thumblegudget 2022-12-03 | On the last supersonic flight of flight of Concorde G-BOAF, the flight engineer placed his hat into an expansion gap, causing it to be crushed and wedged forever in place. Or was it?A big thanks to Aerospace Bristol. You can find their website here:aerospacebristol.orgThe images I used in this video were sourced from the following websites:heritageconcorde.com/g-boaf-216diecastaircraftforum.com/1-1-scale-commercial-aviation/87066-concorde-filton-g-boaf.htmlburohappold.com/projects/bristol-aero-collection/#
The hardest creative problem in the world Thumblegudget 2022-11-14 | Do you ever find yourself staring at blank screen?I'm an engineer, but I am fascinated by personal development, especially when it comes to being creative. In this talk I discuss what I think is the hardest creative problem of them all, which is how to start something new from scratch.Let me know in the comments what you think, and if you'd like to see more content like this.
Dance, Diamond & Design Thumblegudget 2022-11-06 | This is a story about when I got involved with an acro dance troop who were planning a diamond heist. Obviously what it needed was a little bit of creative design.If you want to look up Amy & Adrian's acro dance group you can find them here:https://www.flightclub.danceYou can find a video of the whole dance routine here:youtube.com/watch?v=MmYlyHrXTW8For brushless motor control code check out the resources at Simple FOC:simplefoc.com
Model Aircraft Design - Part 3 Thumblegudget 2022-09-19 | It's time to build a successor to my original Arduino glider: the perfect excuse for me to geek out on the topic of aircraft design.In this video I go over the basics aircraft performance, and in particular the factors that govern the size and shape of my aircraft's wing.
Docking to the International Space Station - with the British Interplanetary Society Thumblegudget 2022-09-13 | I docked to the space station. Well, virtually at least!The British Interplanetary Society (BIS) is a membership society that promotes the exploration and use of space for the benefit of humanity, by connecting people to create, educate and inspire, and advance knowledge in all aspects of astronautics.bis-space.comIf you are a serious space enthusiast and you want to join a network of like-minded people the BIS is definitely for you.This was filmed at the 2022 Space-Comm Expo at Farnborough in the UK.space-comm.co.uk
Model Aircraft Design - Part 2 Thumblegudget 2022-08-08 | It's time to build a successor to my original Arduino glider: the perfect excuse for me to geek out on the topic of aircraft design. In this video I talk about designing a strong, thin 3D printed wing.The intro music is Shell Ghost by Soundridemusic:youtube.com/watch?v=7SembcsxrQw
Model Aircraft Design - Part 1 Thumblegudget 2022-07-29 | It's time to build a successor to my original Arduino glider: the perfect excuse for me to geek out on the topic of aircraft design. In this video I talk about my concept and the beginnings of the design. I will add more videos as the project progresses.The footage of a camera drone used in the video comes from here:youtube.com/watch?v=7SembcsxrQw
The HOTOL Model Outtakes Thumblegudget 2022-05-02 | I always thought that blooper reels were a bit self-indulgent. Here's mine.It's hard to overestimate how much work goes into making a simple 10-minute video. This is the longest to-camera presentation I have created to date and I learned a lot about filmmaking in the process. We had a lot of laughs capturing the video, so I absolutely had to share them.As always, if there's something you want to create you should have a go and see what happens! Remember that it's absolutely okay to make mistakes, and the most important thing is to have fun.
The HOTOL Model Thumblegudget 2022-04-25 | In the 1980s British Aerospace was trying to sell the concept of a fully reusable space shuttle to its customers. This revolutionary HOrizontal Take-Off and Landing spaceplane had the potential to dramatically reduce the cost of putting satellites into orbit.To help promote the concept a number of publicity models we produced. One of these survives today under the care of the British Interplanetary Society, who were kind enough to let me drop by with my camera and film it.The British Interplanetary Society are the oldest society in the world for the advocacy of space exploration. They promote the exploration and use of space for the benefit of humanity, by connecting people to create, educate and inspire, and advance knowledge in all aspects of astronautics.bis-space.comThe landed Hotol artwork is by Maciej Rebisz. You can find his work here:mac.artstation.com/projectsThe background rolling Earth orbit video is from:"ORBIT - A Journey Around Earth in Real Time"youtube.com/watch?v=7KXGZAEWzn0
HOTOL - Anatomy of a spaceplane engine Thumblegudget 2022-03-23 | HOTOL was a 1980s British project to build a totally reusable Space Shuttle. The project was cancelled and as it existed in the pre-internet age it's hard to find information about it.In this video, with the aid of an original patent, I go back to basics to explain how HOTOL's unique rocket engine would have worked.The patent referred to in the video is available here:patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pdfs/0bfe59990ac43e571a1b/US5101622.pdfMy original HOTOL video is here:youtube.com/watch?v=H8c39H3t_3gFor an explanation of why I think SSTO spaceplanes are the future of space travel check out my original spaceplanes video:youtube.com/watch?v=wG8XO8-NgSEThe background rolling Earth orbit video is from:"ORBIT - A Journey Around Earth in Real Time"youtube.com/watch?v=7KXGZAEWzn0
Can you hear that too? Thumblegudget 2021-12-22 | Have you ever been in a room when the fire alarm went off, but nobody moved? I discuss why just a few individuals with a small degree of confidence can make all the difference.
What are you waiting for? Thumblegudget 2021-12-19 | Do you have a great idea for a project that you haven't started yet?I'm an engineer, but I am fascinated by personal development, especially when it comes to being creative. In this talk I discuss the biggest lesson I have learned in creativity, which is that you will never feel ready to get started.Let me know in the comments what you think, and if you'd like to see more content like this.
Trains: Power vs Traction (Feat. Railroads Online!) Thumblegudget 2021-12-07 | In this video I explore the relationship between power and traction force, with the help of the game Railroads Online!This video was inspired by #kANGaming's video, which you can find here:youtube.com/watch?v=rCMD_9UCGLgThe clip of the intercity125 that I use at the end was from here:youtube.com/watch?v=C1ICcOu0NkM
Control Moment Gyros - in 60 seconds Thumblegudget 2021-08-21 | I created this video for the Veritasium Science Communication contest.(veritasium.com/contest #VeritasiumContest)if you enjoyed the video do please give it a like as it helps me qualify for the competition.You can check out how the competition came about on the Veritasium channel:youtube.com/watch?v=yCsgoLc_fzIThis video was a really fun challenge. 60 seconds is a really short time and I had to choose my words really carefully. Needless to say that here's a lot about CMGs that I had to leave out of this video, so I expect that sometime soon I will release a longer video in which I can go into a bit more detail about the subject, and my demo cubesat's new working parts.My contact email address for the contest: thumblegudgetcontest@icloud.com
How to turn a Satellite Thumblegudget 2021-06-28 | Turning an object in space can be a bit tricky because there's nothing for it to push against. Thankfully the laws of physics do have a useful caveat that makes aiming a satellite possible without using up all of your fuel in the process.
Apollo Era Personal Computers Thumblegudget 2021-05-01 | This is about the unsung hero of the Apollo Program. The personal computer that made the early space age possible. The Slide Rule.
What SpaceX can teach you about failure Thumblegudget 2021-04-15 | “We expect it to explode. It’s weird if it doesn’t explode, frankly.”This is a video about the relationship between SpaceX's failures and its industry-changing success.Main video sources:SpaceX channel:youtube.com/user/spacexchannelHow not to land an orbital rocket booster:youtube.com/watch?v=bvim4rsNHkQESA channel:youtube.com/c/EuropeanSpaceAgency/videosBurt Rutan - Entrepreneurs are the future of space flight:youtube.com/watch?v=nwfSENkvJXYNetflix, Babies - First Steps:youtube.com/watch?v=p1otGt99RecThe background rolling Earth orbit video is from:"ORBIT - A Journey Around Earth in Real Time"youtube.com/watch?v=7KXGZAEWzn0
Spaceplanes are the future Thumblegudget 2021-03-02 | The spaceplanes are definitely coming!This is a video I have been tinkering with for months and it feels good to finally have it finished. This is the most intensely edited video I have ever produced, and whilst I am happy with the results I think I have learned my lesson about the sheer amount of work involved.Main video sources, used under fair use:The impressively rendered clips of Skylon and VentureStar are from Haze Gray Art’s channel. Be sure to check out his work:youtube.com/watch?v=mOqInOe5g8kI also used footage from:SpaceX: youtube.com/user/spacexchannelBlue Origin: youtube.com/user/blueoriginchannelReaction Engines: youtube.com/channel/UC6OVZLY-NzhU7OjhC37UImwThe render of the Starship and Superheavy on the cover screen is by CBURG. You can find his work here:instagram.com/cburjThe beautiful landed Hotol and space terminal images are by Maciej Rebisz. You can find his work here:mac.artstation.com/projectsspacethatneverwas.tumblr.com
Arduino Glider Thumblegudget 2020-06-23 | I illustrate the joy of learning by just having a go at something that you find interesting. The story of what I got up to in winter 2017: an exciting tale of many hours staring at a screen, bad soldering, and running after a runaway model glider.Music by my friend the Jazz Badger.
Talk - Getting Creative Thumblegudget 2020-06-06 | This is a presentation I gave earlier this year about creativity. Specifically it's simple tips to help anybody who wants to be more creative.
Podcast Episode 5 - Yin-Chien Yeap Thumblegudget 2018-02-08 | This is the fifth episode of my podcast exploring ideas, creativity, and innovation.Yin-Chien Yeap is a Software Engineer and Entrepreneur who specialises in using computer games technology for other applications. We talk about virtual reality, computer programming, and inspiring young people to be creative.Music Credit:Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Bob Parkinson on SpaceX Thumblegudget 2017-10-19 | Bonus interview clip.Whilst I was interviewing Bob Parkinson I asked for his opinion on the SpaceX launch vehicle architecture.Bob is an expert on the economics of reusable launch vehicles, so I was interested to hear his opinion.The main part of the interview is here:youtube.com/watch?v=eUewpvrbbJ8Video Credit: SpaceX Youtube Channelyoutube.com/user/spacexchannel
Podcast Episode 4 - Ray Bainbridge Thumblegudget 2017-10-11 | This is the fourth episode of my podcast exploring ideas, creativity, and innovation.Ray Bainbridge is an Engineer turned Entrepreneur with a long and interesting history in technology and in business. We talk about robots, computers, rockets, how to get a job, and about how to be an engineer with original ideas.Music Credit:Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Podcast Episode 3 - Bob Parkinson Thumblegudget 2017-09-10 | This is the third episode of my podcast exploring ideas, creativity, and innovation.Dr Bob Parkinson is a rocket scientist who has had a very interesting career in the space industry. Like Alan and Richard, my previous guests, he was also involved in the HOTOL project, a British effort to build a re-usable space shuttle. He is also something of a painter, and agreed for me to share some of his work on this video.I talked to Bob about his career, HOTOL, and some more abstract concepts relating to creativity.Thank you for listening. Please like, subscribe, and leave me some feedback in the comment section.Music Credit:Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Podcast Episode 2 - Richard Varvill Thumblegudget 2017-08-15 | This is the second episode of my podcast exploring ideas, creativity, and innovation.Richard Varvill was a young engineer working for Rolls-Royce in the 1980s when he became involved in the HOTOL project, a British effort to build a re-usable space shuttle. When the project was cancelled it led to him and some other engineers leaving to set up their own company to continue the work. I talk to Richard about his early career, HOTOL, and some more general principles relating to creativity and engineering.Thank you for listening. Please like, subscribe, and leave me some feedback in the comment section.Music Credit:Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Podcast Episode 1 - Alan Bond Thumblegudget 2017-07-25 | This is the first episode of my podcast exploring ideas, creativity, and innovation.My first interviewee is Alan Bond, an engineer with a lifetime of experience designing rockets and experimental fusion reactors. Alan is also the inventor of the SABRE rocket engine, the unique propulsion system behind the Skylon Spaceplane concept.Thank you for listening. Please like, subscribe, and leave me some feedback in the comment section.Music Credit:Open Those Bright Eyes Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Price Calculation in Space Thumblegudget 2017-06-27 | I have an interest in the world building aspect of science fiction. This led me to discover a fundamental flaw in the mechanics of the kind of future society portrayed in Star Trek. Buyer beware!For a more detailed talk on the socialist calculation problem I recommend checking out this talk by Joe Salerno:youtube.com/watch?v=alqUqdbfxhkLudwig von Mises' original paper is available to download for free here:mises.org/library/economic-calculation-socialist-commonwealth
Ascension & Project Orion Thumblegudget 2017-01-11 | A short video about Orion, the secret project to build a nuclear powered spaceship in the 1960s.I recently watched the TV miniseries "Ascension" on SyFy and it reminded me about this amazing little chapter in space engineering.
