Like a lot of early-stage technologies, it was easy to get in and do novel things when it was in its infancy. The early U.S. work had the same amateur characte

Like a lot of early-stage technologies, it was easy to get in and do novel things when it was in its infancy. The early U.S. work had the same amateur characteristics as in TFA: http://www.space.com/13463-nasa-jet-propulsion-lab-rocket-test-anniversary.html http://www.space.com/13463-nasa-jet-propulsion-lab-rocket-te... Sand bags to hide behind, fuel lines strung up on sticks, and a case of Crisco. What more could you want?