An interesting, if somewhat lunatic proposal, from Pravda with plans for the Olympic flame to be lit from space using mirrors :
The organizers of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games of 2014 in Sochi are going to deliver Olympic torch with fire into the space. The options of implementation are being discussed.
The first one is to deliver the capsule with the Olympic torch to the ISS. The second one is to light a fire with sunbeams shot by astronauts on board the satellite through a system of mirrors.
As reported by Life News referring to Roskosmos, in case of the first option is chosen, the capsule with a torch will be delivered to Baikonur, placed in the cargo unit and launch into orbit. A few hours later the module with the Olympic package will dock with the ISS. The torch will be in the hands of astronauts, and then travel back to Earth in a descent module.
The main problem in this case is how to bring the fire into the orbit in the shortest possible time, because usually the cargo module is docked to the ISS two days after launch. In this case, there will not be that much time, says RBC.
Another option is to light the torch in Sochi from a sunbeam shot by the astronauts to the ISS. This requires a special satellite with a unique system of mirrors, writes Gazeta.ru.
The implementation of the project will be undertaken by Roskosmos. Currently, the agency is preparing a specification for several defense companies specializing in the manufacture of satellites. NPO Mashinostroenie, one of the major companies to assemble military satellites, has already prepared an estimate for the development of a test apparatus. The cost of developing solutions for the delivery of fire into space and back is estimated at 360 million rubles. It is difficult to imagine what the final price will be in the end.
Aside from the rediculous cost of either option, I can just imagine the subsequent immolation of half the stadium as they try and aim concentrated sunlight from the ISS as it whips across the sky.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Russia already had spaceborn lasers though so this story could actually be the perfect cover for the world first public space to ground laser test.
Oh Christ. Some fuckwit on the London Olympic Money Spunking Commitee will probably look at that and begin wondering how to top it.
I was thinking much the same when I was writing that one.
Personally I would like to see John Prescott launched (in flames) from a massive trebuchet on the banks of the Humber as the approved Olympic torch lighting device. Just imagine crowds gathered to watch the fireball streaking across the evening sky accompanied by a muffled cry similar to “yer dirty fookin bastards”.