Why is it easier for a rocket to get to space the further South it is launched?

Question

Edit: Thank you for your answers, I did a complete brain fart and said South instead of closer to the equator, you all rock

In: Planetary Science

Answer 1

That’s not true. It’s easier for a rocket to get to orbit *the closer to the equator* it launches from. That’s because, assuming the rocket is launched east, you get to add the Earth’s rotational velocity to the rocket’s velocity. It’s kind of like a “cheat” by using the Earth’s rotational velocity, which means the rocket can get into orbit with less propellant or with a heavier payload. Since the Earth’s rotational speed is fastest at the equator, the rocket gets more of a boost the closer to the equator it launches from.