Why do rockets curve when leaving earth?
Is it the cause of natural forces or a predetermined path by scientist before launched?
Do most rockets follow a general curve or does it depend on thrust, lift (when rocket is horizontal), height position, etc.?
Is it required or could it theoretically just go straight up assuming infinite fuel?
Thanks in advance!
In: Physics
>Is it required or could it theoretically just go straight up assuming infinite fuel?
Going straight up actually isn’t helpful if you want to put something into orbit. The ISS is only about 400 km up which really isn’t far, but its moving at about 27000 kph
>Is it the cause of natural forces or a predetermined path by scientist before launched?
Its predetermined for modern launches so it follows an optimized path. If you launch a dumb rocket at a slight angle with no guidance you will end up with [a similar path known as a gravity turn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_turn), modern rockets know how gravity will effect them and steer accordingly.
There is going to be an optimum path for a rocket to follow based on its thrust, weight, and fuel consumption. Rockets need to get going fast horizontally to stay in orbit, but they want to get out of the thick atmosphere before speeding up so they don’t waste a ton of fuel fighting air resistance. The rocket also gets lighter as it burns fuel and because the thrust is the same it begins accelerating faster and faster.
Latest Answers