this post was submitted on 21 Jan 2026
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xkcd #3197: Cost Savings

Title text:

Unfortunately, my scheme to trick NASA has now taken over a decade longer than planned and has run way over budget.

Transcript:

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Source: https://xkcd.com/3197/

explainxkcd for #3197

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[–] Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz 26 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The 0 m orbit should be ideal, because it reduces rocket fuel expenses to zero.

[–] GamingChairModel@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Using space elevator technology (metal structural beams and metal guy cables) I think we can get things up to 100m geosynchronous "orbit" pretty easily.

[–] Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

If we utilize the Eiffel technique, we can easily push it to 300 m.

[–] Proprietary_Blend@lemmy.world 9 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Let's go with that first thing. It sounds like a complete waste

[–] Cocodapuf@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Meeting with the House Committee on Space...

This sounds like a workable plan, but the first stage of the shed needs to be built in Houston. Also the shed door is an issue, doors are traditionally handled here at Goddard.

But... this proposal completely ignores my constituents from California, they will need to be included somehow! If you want this proposal to go through at all, find something for JPL and AMES to do.

[–] Amuletta@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

A trebuchet, but made with modern materials.