Why are rocket launches near water?

Therefore it makes sense to reduce the risk at launch – hence, distant from centres of population. An example of what happens when control is lost may be viewed here A water body such as a sea/ocean is a preference, but there are also space stations located elsewhere E.g. in a desert.

Why are facilities for launching rockets into space usually located close to the Earth’s equator?

One spot on the equator has to go a much greater distance than a spot near the poles, for instance. So a rocket launching on the equator gets an extra speed boost, making it easier for the vehicle to reach the extra high velocities needed to achieve orbit.

Why space rockets are launched from west to east?

Our earth rotates from west to east. So, when a rocket is propelled from west to east in the equatorial plane, the rocket gets added advantage of earth’s rotational speed. A component of earth’s rotational speed adds up with the projection speed of the rocket.

Why are rockets launched?

Rockets are now used for fireworks, weaponry, ejection seats, launch vehicles for artificial satellites, human spaceflight, and space exploration. Chemical rockets are the most common type of high power rocket, typically creating a high speed exhaust by the combustion of fuel with an oxidizer.

What are SpaceX’s launch vehicles?

SpaceX’s first launch vehicle, the Falcon 1, was the first privately developed liquid fuel launch vehicle to be launched into orbit, and utilized SpaceX’s Merlin and Kestrel engines for its first and second stages, respectively.

How do rocket launch pads protect the vehicle?

The pad may contain a flame deflection structure to prevent the intense heat of the rocket exhaust from damaging the vehicle or pad structures, and a sound suppression system spraying large quantities of water may be employed. The pad may also be protected by lightning arresters.

How are rockets transported to launch sites?

Vertically assembled vehicles can also be transported on a mobile launcher platform resting on two parallel standard gauge railroad tracks that run from the integration building to launch area. This system is still in use for the Atlas V and future Vulcan. At SLC-6 and SLC-37, rockets are assembled on the launch mount.

What is the difference between a launch pad and a spaceport?

A spaceport typically includes multiple launch complexes and other supporting infrastructure. A launch pad is distinct from a missile launch facility (or missile silo or missile complex), which also launches a missile vertically but is located underground in order to help harden it against enemy attack.