At Sunburnt Space Co, we’re not just building rockets, we’re crafting a story. A uniquely Australian story with a playful twist. When it came time to name our rockets and engines, I wanted something that reflected the essence of our mission: a blend of innovation, simplicity, and a little bit of that Aussie cheekiness. That’s when the idea struck me to draw inspiration from a beloved part of Australian culture, our iconic comic strips.
Why Aussie Comics?
When most people think of rocket names, they imagine something grand, maybe a bit futuristic, or even mythological. But at Sunburnt Space Co., we wanted something different, something that stands out in the vast expanse of the aerospace industry. We wanted names that resonate with who we are and where we come from, names that carry a sense of nostalgia, humor, and a touch of the unexpected.
Australian comic strips have entertained generations, and their characters are as iconic as they are quirky. They’re a perfect fit for the spirit of Sunburnt Space Co a company that’s serious about reaching the stars but isn’t afraid to have a bit of fun along the way.
Meet Our Rockets: Fatty Finn, Meggs Jr., and Ginger Meggs
Our journey into space started with a rocket that holds a special place in my heart, Fatty Finn. Named after the classic Aussie comic strip character, this rocket was my Level 3 Certification rocket, marking a significant milestone in my rocketry career. Fatty Finn embodies the spirit of adventure, and its successful flights set the stage for what’s to come.
As we move forward, we’re planning something much bigger: a Space Shot rocket, which we’ve aptly named Meggs Jr. This name is a playful homage to Ginger Meggs, Australia’s most beloved comic strip character, who will lend his name to our future orbital rocket. Whether we end up calling it Meggs or Ginger Meggs (pending trademark clearance), the connection to this cheeky redhead reflects the ingenuity and determination we bring to our work.
The Engines: Mini Insanity, Lil’ Insanity, Insanity, and Streak
Just as our rockets deserve names with character, so do the engines that power them. We’ve decided to take a nod from Insanity Streak, another classic comic strip that embodies the zany, offbeat humor we love.
First up is Mini Insanity, the name of the small test engine we’re building to pave the way for our larger projects. This engine may be small, but it’s packed with the kind of innovative power we need to break new ground.
Next comes Lil’ Insanity, the engine that will propel Meggs Jr. to the edge of space. It’s the big brother of Mini Insanity, embodying the next step in our journey.
As we look toward the orbital rocket, the main engines will carry the bold name Insanity, a testament to the power and ambition driving us forward. The rocket’s RCS (Reaction Control System) engines, responsible for maneuvering in space, will be known as Streak, capturing the swift and precise movements required for orbital operations.
A Playful Legacy
By naming our rockets and engines after Australian comic strips, we’re doing more than just paying homage to our roots, we’re injecting a bit of playfulness into the serious business of space exploration. It’s a reminder that even as we push the boundaries of what’s possible, we’re staying true to the Aussie way, innovative, down-to-earth, and always ready for a laugh.
At Sunburnt Space Co., we’re building rockets that reflect the spirit of Australia, rockets that are as iconic and memorable as the characters they’re named after. As we look to the future, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey, where every launch brings a new chapter in our uniquely Australian story.
So here’s to Fatty Finn, Meggs Jr., Ginger Meggs, Mini Insanity, Lil’ Insanity, Insanity, and Streak, characters in their own right, ready to make history in the skies above.