The Pendulum Rocket Fallacy

The Pendulum Rocket Fallacy is one of the oldest blunders in rocket science. It also appears to make a lot of sense - or at least that's what I thought before I built my own 'Pendulum Rocket' and drove into to the middle of nowhere to test it for myself!

Thanks!!! - James

FAQ:
Q: Where did you film?
A: The 'to-camera' shots were all filmed a outside the town of Meekatharra in Western Australia. We decided to film here to get the full Aussie outback experience and because the conditions were too stormy in Perth. The launches were also meant to take place in Meekatharra, but we had so many technical difficulties that we had to do a re-shoot the weekend after at Lake Austin near Mount Magnet (note that 'Lake' in the context of Australia doesn't actually imply there is ever any water in it). Over the two trips we drove 2910 km! Fortunately Gus was there to help co-pilot and Matthew brought some excellent music.

Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes! But please don't try this at home. Gus, Tom, and myself are all members of the UWA Aerospace rocketry team where we've spent years working on high-powered rockets. Some key takeaways from the eight-page safety document we wrote are...
- Launches took place many kilometres away from population centres, airfields and major roads.
- The rockets were made of low-density cardboard and contained redundant parachutes.
- All rockets were designed to fly below the CASA-mandated 400ft limit.

Q: Do you have any more rocket videos?

CREDITS:
Written, hosted, and edited by James Dingley
Filming and script review by Gus O'Neill
Secondary filming by Matthew Blacker
Original score by Julian Dingley

MEDIA SOURCES:

WITH THANKS TO OUR TOP PATREONS:
Andre van Soest, Brandon McDowall, Christoph Kutza, Erica, Eoin Monaghan, Gustav Utterheim, Jake Kirsch, James Mifsud, Jeff Straathof, Johan Thorell, Michiel Dral, Matt Emch, Rico Hengstman, Simon Priisholm, Sören Klein, Terin Stock, Tim Katzgrau

[AtomicFrontier]

Of course, another thing to consider is that "pointing very hot rocket exhaust at my fuel tanks" might not be a super safe design choice! Credits and FAQs in the description.
P.S. This is my entry for the #VeritasiumContest (with the first round judged on number of views) so I'd love it if you could help me out and send a copy to a friend! Thanks!!! - James

[shookings]

"for the love of Goddard" is one of the best puns in history

[lewismassie]

As someone who lives and breathes rockets, this will now be my go-to video to explain the Pendulum Rocket Fallacy
(this is the highest honour I can bestow)

[Lazy_Tim]

All the best with your entry James. You have some good completion.

[BeaverDaBeaver]

Sweet Goddard, this is the most potent short-form education I've ever seen.

[jeanchen]

This channel is probably the best thing I have stumbled upon this year.

[andrewwmitchell]

Love seeing you out in nature in Western Australia again.

[ovikchoudhury]

Love the little 'the expanse' reference

[AnhadS]

Thanks for explaining a puzzling concept so well

[thethdoctor]

I believe I see the LV-T45 "Swivel" engine on those animated rockets... Or is it the LV-T30 "Reliant"?

[reubengray]

Wasn't expecting a short video when I clicked. Very pleasantly surprised. good video, and best of luck for the competition!

[bwjclego]

Best video on the pendulum fallacy I've seen!

[tomsekmanis]

A really cool video! Even though I had never thought that rockets should have engines at the top (as all the modern ones don't), you managed to convince me that it could be a reasonable idea and explained why that is not the case very well and all that in a minute!

[anonaustria]

This is by far the best explaination of the pendulum rocket fallacy I have ever heard

[ramizr]

"For the love of Goddard"(love this line hehe) nailed it ! Congratulations on winning!

[mrmangoberry]

I know the solution, just pin the top in place, and it won’t move!

[Carlyknarly]

Whenever I have a problem in life, just add fins. This is what I have taken away from this video. In legal trouble? Bad relationship? DUI? Just add fins!

[nicjansen]

Experienced this in KSP, never knew why it didn't work, just added fins and other constructions, but now I know :D

[BillyKona]

Congrats on winning SECOND in the Veritasium contest! What an achievement.

[ReliableDragon]

Fantastic video! Best of luck in the contest!