3 ms·
Stated simply: zero-thrust "orbits" repeat the same trajectory again and again. So if you end your burn in the outer atmosphere near your launch pad, the next
by ajross 3y ago
Stated simply: zero-thrust "orbits" repeat the same trajectory again and again. So if you end your burn in the outer atmosphere near your launch pad, the next time around you will be back in the outer atmosphere (near where the the launch pad "was", ignoring the rotation of the planet). And since there's air there providing resistance, you'll re-enter and crash.
Getting to orbit requires at least one more burn near the apogee of the original orbit to circularize it and ensure the spacecraft doesn't approach the atmosphere again. Starship didn't do the apogee burn they intended to do, so didn't demonstrate this capability.
- DiggyJohnson 3y agoSinge burn to orbit is pretty common though in reality, with the dynamics of staging, engine throttling, and precision insertion capabilities most modern rockets can hit the mark.
- DarmokJalad1701 3y ago> Getting to orbit requires at least one more burn near the apogee of the original orbit to circularize it and ensure the spacecraft doesn't approach the atmosphere again The Saturn V went direct to Earth orbit without requiring relighting the third stage engine.