The shape of the curve isn't different just because the ground's in its way. This post has an illustration that makes the concept clear: http://forum.kerbalspa

The shape of the curve isn't different just because the ground's in its way. This post has an illustration that makes the concept clear: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/108970-Help-with-orbital-mechanics-for-a-school-project?p=1710399&viewfull=1#post1710399 http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/108970-Help-with... (Note: I'm approximating by assuming no forces other than gravity, which is an extremely good approximation for a ballistic rocket. In perpetually powered flight the trajectory can of course take other shapes.)