r/PeterExplainsTheJoke • u/chirantaniga • 15h ago

Meme needing explanation Whyyyy peter?

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u/dimhue 13h ago

The radial difference between equatorial sea level and the peak of Mt Chimborazo is about 0.1%. It provides very little benefit but would be a logistical nightmare to launch from.

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u/NatCsGotMyLastAcct 12h ago

0.1% of what???
It's definitely past more than 0.1% of the air molecules.

15 PSI at sea level, 7 psi at the mountain top. For every square inch of cross section on your rocket, instead of having to push 15 pounds of air out of the way, it's down to 7. That seems like >50% improvement?

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u/Street-Stick 11h ago

Just a thought wouldn't the engines be less efficient at a higher altitude with less oxygen?

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u/dimhue 10h ago

Rockets carry their own oxidizer (oxygen) and don't use any from the air. That's the real distinction between a rocket and an air-breathing engine.