why cant a flying object just leave the atmosphere at a slower speed? why does it need to achieve ‘escape velocity’? if a rocket goes straight up at 100kmph without stopping, it should escape the atmosphere eventually right?
In: Physics
The atmosphere is very thin compared to the size of Earth. Low Earth orbit is just a few hundred kilometers up, meaning the strength of gravity remains pretty much unchanged.
If you go straight up you have to keep your rocket engines running all the time, even beyond the atmosphere. Sure, you can do it slowly. If you go sideways once you reach orbit you no longer need any propulsion to stay there.
Latest Answers