Matt,

If a bunch of 13 yr olds in 1977 (me and class mates) could get a small 2 foot long model rocket to 50 miles into the atmosphere, I'm fairly certain that NASA can get thier big rockets to whatever planet they aim them at.

Your statement, "Never did any Soviet Union or US "spacecraft" leave the orbit of the Earth, " Is just outright ridiculous.

Model Rocketry in is these days is just as prevelent, reaching alitutdes of 85 miles, right on the edge of making it into space. Typically this is done through high powered LF engines, instead of the solid motors of the hobbyist.

__________________
There is no problem that cannot be solved by a suitable application of high explosives - US Army Demolitions School

I just saw Hayley's comet, she waved, Said "why you always running in place? Even the man in the moon disappeared, Somewhere in the stratosphere" - Shinedown

http://worldsofothersuns.home.comcast.net/