Boing Boing

Boing Boing

A manhole cover may have been the first object launched into space

Popkin
Feb 11, 2026
∙ Paid

By Bart Everson - https://www.flickr.com/photos/editor/48728796337/, CC BY 2.0, Link

Manhole covers are round for a mix of safety, engineering, and practical reasons. A circular cover can’t fall through its opening, regardless of rotation, making it safer for workers and pedestrians. The shape also matches the circular shafts below, which handle pressure…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Boing Boing.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
Popkin's avatar
A guest post by
Popkin
Boing Boing contributor
Subscribe to Popkin
© 2026 Happy Mutants LLC · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture