Why can’t we “cup” a nuclear blast in order to focus the blast power on an object and, with precise measurements, aim it at the Sun to be burned up eventually?

Question

Basically, picture a cherry bomb under a really strong teacup that stayed in one piece during the explosion and shot up in the air, but scaled up a whole lot.

In: 0

Answer 1

They…er…they *technically* have done that.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Plumbbob#Propulsion_of_steel_plate_cap

Summarised briefly, during the heyday of nuclear testing they decided to detonate a nuclear explosion below ground with a steel cap on top of it. They underestimated the power involved however and this caused the steel cap to be blown off at ridiculous speeds and power.

As noted, this achieved much more than escape velocity. As also noted however, the steel cap was almost certainly vaporised through friction with the atmosphere.

But it’s a fun idea.