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To: DuncanWaring; GeronL

Why closer to the equator?


8 posted on 04/21/2013 9:54:26 AM PDT by Gabz (Democrats for Voldemort.)
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To: Gabz

takes less fuel to reach space/orbit from the equator, thinner atmosphere I think


9 posted on 04/21/2013 9:55:54 AM PDT by GeronL (http://asspos.blogspot.com)
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To: Gabz; GeronL

Launching from the equator into a nominally east-west orbit lets the rocket take advantage of the earth’s rotational velocity (roughly 1000 mph at the equator) in getting to orbital velocity.

Launching from Wallops (37 degrees North latitude) gives only about 80% of that.


14 posted on 04/21/2013 10:12:42 AM PDT by DuncanWaring (The Lord uses the good ones; the bad ones use the Lord.)
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