Why do rockets go straight up instead of taking off like a plane?

Question

In light of the recent launches I was wondering why rockets launch straight up instead of taking of like a plane.

It seems to take so much fuel to go straight up, and in my mind I can’t see to get my head around why they don’t take off like a plane and go up gradually like that.

Edit – Spelling and grammar

Edit 2 – Thank you to everyone who responded. You have answered a life long question.

In: Physics

Answer 1

Here’s one big reason. Rockets are strong in compression as they are meant to carry themselves and the payload straight up. To add the strength to support the lateral g loading of other-than-vertical flight would require the rocket to be heavier. Thus reducing the payload the rocket can carry.