It is primarily due to the fact that changes in altitude with regard to achieving orbital synchronization take time. This is also related to the concept of a la

It is primarily due to the fact that changes in altitude with regard to achieving orbital synchronization take time. This is also related to the concept of a launch window. Today's launch had an instantaneous launch window, required to reach all mission objectives, and for Dragon to achieve its precise window of opportunity in space. This means that the launch had to occur at an exact moment, down to the exact second of accuracy. For a more exhaustive understanding, further explanation and exploration, you will enjoy the following: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_mechanics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_mechanics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_speed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_speed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_plane_%28astronomy%29 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_plane_%28astronomy%29 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbit_phasing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbit_phasing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohmann_transfer_orbit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohmann_transfer_orbit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_rendezvous https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_rendezvous https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docking_and_berthing_of_spacecraft https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docking_and_berthing_of_spacec... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Launch_window https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Launch_window