The Fastest Human-Made Object Is a Manhole Cover Shot into Space (2023)

In a remarkable story from the 1950s, a manhole cover launched during a nuclear test became the fastest human-made object ever recorded. This event occurred during Operation Plumbbob, specifically the Pascal-B test on August 27, 1957. Astrophysicist Robert Brownlee, who was involved in the test, explained that the manhole cover was placed atop a deep column containing a nuclear bomb. When detonated, the explosion propelled the iron cap at an astonishing speed of approximately 125,000 miles per hour, five times the escape velocity of Earth. This speed surpasses that of the New Horizons spacecraft, which reached 36,373 mph on its journey to Pluto. Brownlee noted that the cover likely escaped Earth's atmosphere without burning up, as it was traveling too fast. Although the Soviet Union launched Sputnik shortly after, Brownlee claims that the manhole cover was the first object to be sent into space. Despite skepticism from some, Brownlee maintained the authenticity of the event, emphasizing its significance in the history of space exploration.

- A manhole cover launched during a nuclear test is the fastest human-made object.

- The cover reached speeds of about 125,000 mph, surpassing the New Horizons spacecraft.

- The event occurred during Operation Plumbbob in 1957, specifically the Pascal-B test.

- The manhole cover likely escaped Earth's atmosphere without burning up.

- Robert Brownlee, involved in the test, asserts the story's authenticity despite skepticism.