Why do space rockets not take off like planes (i.e. straight up vs sideways and up)?
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Currently, around 90% of the total weight is dedicated to fuel alone, taking off horizontally, would be less efficient and would require even more fuel for the same performance
Rockets take off vertically because they can quickly get to the upper atmosphere where the air is much less dense and provides much less resistance
Since the air provides less resistance, they can be more efficient and require less fuel
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