Sending anything into space is a matter of physics, engineering, and energy. Sending a gorilla would be no exception. While the idea may sound humorous or absurd, the calculation is a real application of rocket science. It involves understanding mass, thrust, escape velocity, and fuel efficiency.

1. The Gorilla’s Mass

A full-grown male gorilla can weigh between 150 to 200 kilograms. For spaceflight, we cannot simply launch the gorilla alone. It would need a pressurized capsule, life support systems, structural reinforcement, and safety features. Altogether, the launch payload would likely be closer to 500 kilograms.

2. The Rocket Equation

The amount of fuel needed depends on the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation, which connects the mass of the rocket before and after fuel is burned with the exhaust velocity of the rocket propellant. This equation tells us that the heavier the payload, the more fuel we need. But then more fuel also adds more weight, which increases fuel needs further. This leads to an exponential increase in fuel mass as payload increases.

3. Fuel Requirements

To place a 500 kg payload into low Earth orbit, a typical launch system might require between 20 to 30 times that mass in fuel. This means roughly 10,000 to 15,000 kilograms of fuel. The exact amount would depend on the type of fuel used. Liquid oxygen combined with liquid hydrogen or RP-1 (a refined form of kerosene) are common.

For example, the SpaceX Falcon 9 can carry about 22,800 kg to low Earth orbit and burns over 400,000 kg of fuel per launch. Proportionally, a 500 kg gorilla payload would need about 8,700 to 10,000 kg of fuel using a similar ratio.

4. Supporting Structure

The rocket itself—the engines, tanks, guidance systems, and structural supports—weighs much more than the payload and must be factored in. Building a small launch vehicle just for one gorilla would not be efficient. Most likely, the gorilla would need to be a passenger on a larger rocket designed for multiple payloads.

5. Ethical and Practical Concerns

Although the physics are sound, the ethical implications of sending a sentient animal into space are significant. Animal testing in space has a long history, from Laika the dog to monkeys and mice, but modern science favors alternative testing methods. If we ever considered sending a gorilla, it would require justification beyond curiosity, along with rigorous safety and humane care protocols.

Conclusion

Launching a gorilla into space would require roughly 10,000 kilograms of rocket fuel, depending on the rocket design and target orbit. While technically feasible, such a mission would be costly, complex, and ethically questionable. The exercise, however, serves as a fascinating example of how mass, fuel, and energy requirements scale in the world of rocketry.