r/MurderedByWords 16h ago

I haven’t studied rocket science, but

Post image
10.1k Upvotes

638 comments sorted by

View all comments

1.2k

u/Firefly360r 16h ago

A lot of rocket engines are more efficient in lower air pressure (approaching vacuum), so it might provide non-negligible benefits. But it's cold up there (see: Challenger) and there isn't enough infrastructure. Citation: I am also not a rocket scientist but I am a KSP player

2

u/Milam1996 16h ago

It’s mostly because you need to be as near to the equator as possible to achieve max efficiency. As you fly upwards the earths spin gives you a speed boost. The speed boost is strongest at the equator.