I’m thinking even if they could build a catapult with the materials they have, and even if they had parachutes in space with them right now, and even if they could get the astronauts to volunteer to return this way, the biggest chore would be finding a way to put a lot of tension on the catapult arm in space to fling them towards home with any type of velocity. There’s also the thought of Newton’s equal and opposite reaction thingy that might send the space station spinning in circles if the catapult was attached to it when it fired. Maybe that’s why they didn’t have any catapult weapons in Star Trek or Star Wars movies!
STEPUP 2 months ago
Call for an Uber!!
Sanspareil 2 months ago
Scotty from the future could just beam them down!
The Reader Premium Member 2 months ago
It’s more of an astornaut-pult.
Ermine Notyours 2 months ago
The atmospheric re-entry would lead to job burn out.
restcure 2 months ago
“Not even a trebuchet?”
phritzg Premium Member 2 months ago
Brewster’s suggestion will be to just strap parachutes on them and push them out the hatch.
BJDucer 2 months ago
I’m thinking even if they could build a catapult with the materials they have, and even if they had parachutes in space with them right now, and even if they could get the astronauts to volunteer to return this way, the biggest chore would be finding a way to put a lot of tension on the catapult arm in space to fling them towards home with any type of velocity. There’s also the thought of Newton’s equal and opposite reaction thingy that might send the space station spinning in circles if the catapult was attached to it when it fired. Maybe that’s why they didn’t have any catapult weapons in Star Trek or Star Wars movies!
joegeethree 2 months ago
Surprisingly, Boeing’s safety committee nixed that idea earlier.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace 2 months ago
A long tether
DaBump Premium Member 2 months ago
Spoilsport.
baskate_2000 2 months ago
At least there’s someone left on the R. U. Sirius with a brain.
philwinn 2 months ago
At least give it a try.
trainnut1956 2 months ago
I thought he was going to suggest lowering a really long rope…
Mike Baldwin creator 2 months ago
The cats will be happy to hear that.
Bilan 2 months ago
If they can see the ISS out their window, it means …
So much for secrecy.
cuzinron47 2 months ago
Ah, we not allowed to have any fun.
eb110americana 2 months ago
What are your feelings on dogapults?
olds_cool63 2 months ago
Calling them “stranded” is VERY misleading.
David Rickard Premium Member 2 months ago
Not a catapult, Doc Mel—a trebuchet. A) Trebuchets throw things farther. B) You can easily borrow one from Dill’s brothers in Cul de Sac.
mistercatworks 2 months ago
Catapults are not so good for deceleration.
norphos 2 months ago
I love how this strip combines science fact and science fiction, the news and humor.
Judeeye Premium Member 2 months ago
They were meant to be there for eight days and now cannot come back until 2025. I truly hope they are returned safely to their families.
cafed00d Premium Member 2 months ago
Trebuchet?