World’s Largest Super Soaker: A Scientific Marvel | Engineering, Science, and Water Gun Fun

by Rosa June 27, 2024

written by Rosa June 27, 2024

World’s Largest Super Soaker: A Scientific Marvel

The Invention of the Super Soaker

The Super Soaker, a beloved water gun that revolutionized water play, was invented by NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson. While tinkering with a refrigeration system in his bathroom, Johnson had the idea for a powerful water gun that could shoot a stream of water across the room. After refining his invention, Johnson spent years trying to find a manufacturer to bring his water gun to children. Finally, in 1990, the “Power Drencher” was released, later rebranded as the Super Soaker. It became an instant hit, with 20 million units sold the following summer.

NASA Engineer Builds World’s Largest Super Soaker

Inspired by the original Super Soaker, NASA engineer Mark Rober set out to build the world’s largest Super Soaker. His creation is not a toy for children—it’s a scientific marvel that can slice through glass and watermelons with ease. Powered by nitrogen gas, the Super Soaker shoots out water at speeds of 243 miles per hour, with a force of up to 2,400 pounds per square inch. Rober has formally applied to Guinness World Records to have his Super Soaker judged as the world’s largest.

The Science Behind the Super Soaker

The Super Soaker works on the same principles as the original, but on a much larger scale. Air is pumped under pressure into a tank of water, and pulling a trigger shoots that pressurized water out of the gun. The main difference is that Rober’s design uses tanks of pressurized nitrogen gas to achieve supersized results that wouldn’t be possible with mere hand pumping.

The Legacy of the Super Soaker

The Super Soaker has had a profound impact on the world of water guns. It has inspired countless imitations and spin-offs, and it remains one of the most popular water toys today. The Super Soaker has also been used for scientific research and educational purposes, demonstrating the principles of fluid dynamics and engineering.

Building Your Own Super Soaker

While Rober’s massive Super Soaker is not likely to be sold in toy stores, ambitious fans can build their own using his list of parts and computer-aided design files. Building your own Super Soaker is a great way to learn about science, engineering, and physics.

Additional Information

The Super Soaker was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Super Soaker is the best-selling water gun of all time, with over 100 million units sold worldwide.
Lonnie Johnson has been awarded numerous honors for his invention of the Super Soaker, including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.