Even radder: "Project Orion", which was to launch spacecraft using a series of nuclear explosions from atomic bombs dropped behind it.

https://www.spacedaily.com/news/nuclearspace-03h.html

Wooden Mirror: This reminds me of the (fictional) Kinematoscopes (?I think - I forget) that were used in 'The Difference Engine' (Bruce Sterling & William Gibson) - they used little turny coloured flat things to display pictures.

Always wanted to see a real one - this comes close. All we need now is nice wooden pneumatic keyboards with brass fittings...

NatPort: I don't want to know what you have 'tossed around' with respect to this. Sheesh