Why Rockets Perform A Gravity Turn After Launch
Regular viewers of orbital rocket launches would have noticed that rockets do not travel in a straight line to Space but follow a curved trajectory. This path is made possible…
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How A Rocket Is Hold Upright And In Place On A Launchpad
An orbital rocket, eclipsing most multistory buildings, looks delicately balanced on a launchpad, supported only by the launch tower. In reality, though, specific mechanisms ensure the vehicles stay securely upright….
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Strap-On Boosters: What They Are And Why They Are Often Used On Orbital Rockets
A specific type of rocket booster is so widely used during orbital rocket launches that it almost seems standard practice. But it raises the question of what strap-on boosters are…
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Can Orbital Rockets Be Nuclear Powered?
Nuclear reactors power some of the world’s largest aircraft carriers and submarines, which raises the question of whether orbital rockets can also use this power source. Here, things get a…
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Reaction Control Systems – What They Are And How They Allow Spacecraft To Maneuver In Space
Orbital rockets use one of the most powerful forms of propulsion ever invented to carry them to Space and orbit. However, how spacecraft are able to maneuver in Space is…
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Why Orbital Rockets Don’t Launch From Underwater
Modern, nuclear-armed submarines are capable of launching their missiles while submerged, which travel thousands of miles to the target. This raises the question of why orbital rockets cannot be launched…
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The Steps Involved In An Orbital Rocket Launch
They may differ slightly from one launch vehicle to another, but most orbital rockets follow a similar procedure or sequence during a launch. We examine the specific steps involved before…
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How Rocket Engines Stay Cool And Don’t Melt During Launch
The temperatures inside rocket engines and nozzles can reach up to 3 300° Celsius or 6 000° Fahrenheit. This will melt most metals, which raises the question of how rocket…
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How Fast Rockets Must Travel To Reach Orbit Or Escape Earth’s Gravity Entirely
After an orbital rocket is launched, it seems to rise very slowly from its launchpad, but in minutes, it is traveling at hypersonic speeds, raising the question of how fast…
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The Four Towers Surrounding A Rocket Launchpad Explained
With average heights of 58 meters or 190 feet, orbital rockets are taller than many large multistory buildings. But four towers surrounding the rocket at a launch complex eclipse even…
