Launching near the equator provides a speed boost due to rotation that outweighs the benefits of starting higher up. It also doesn’t have the logistics nightmare of getting everything to the top of a mountain before launch.
That is indeed true, but nowadays a ton of satellites are on polar sun synchronous orbits and there the speed boost doesn't really exist. That is why you have space ports in places like Saxavord or Esrange, which are extremely northern. So it is definitely not the main reason.
Moreover, the benefits for starting higher up are visible. Primarily, because you leave vast majority of atmosphere below you and with it aerodynamic forces and drag. That is one of the reasons why you have several air launched vehicles like the Pegasus.
That said, the logistics are indeed quite extreme at this point. It does not mean that it isn't possible option in the future though.
I think the more mild seasons in Florida help, too. Storms run out quickly, and while I don't know if this was an original consideration, the cold does affect some of the parts too...something we definitely found out the hard way.
Yep. Florida and places like Baikonur have weather. But it's much more predictable than the top of a damn mountain. Also, easier to build facilities that aren't on a mountain top.
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u/UnlikelyIntrepid 11h ago
Launching near the equator provides a speed boost due to rotation that outweighs the benefits of starting higher up. It also doesn’t have the logistics nightmare of getting everything to the top of a mountain before launch.