3 ms·
You are still ~500 m/s short compared to launching on an equatorial orbit from the equator.
by fsh 28d ago
You are still ~500 m/s short compared to launching on an equatorial orbit from the equator.
- ButlerianJihad 28d agoVelocity is a vector, not simply a rate. Launches and orbits are three-dimensional. What would be a great technological achievement would be launching from French Guiana (5.2° N) and then making a plane-change maneuver to achieve a polar orbit (90° inclination). All that bonus eastward velocity from the Earth's rotation would turn into a penalty they'd need to compensate for no reason, when they had a spaceport more suitable for that polar inclination. Try this related concept: https://youtu.be/sod3ofdUYTw?si=U7dz_LcRQ0M44tAU https://youtu.be/sod3ofdUYTw?si=U7dz_LcRQ0M44tAU And the spherical cow jumps frictionlessly over the Moon!