Why do most rockets launch near the equator?

First, the launch site must be near the sea.

The first few minutes after launch are crucial. The rocket is set up so that if it fails to launch, it will fall into a deserted ocean instead of a densely populated area.

Some spaceports are not close to the sea like Baikonur in Kazakhstan, but the rockets are set to fly on a route that does not pass over where people live to ensure safety.

Another requirement for a spacecraft launch location is latitude. NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is located at 28 degrees north latitude, the Wenchang space launch site is located at 19 degrees north latitude, SpaceX's Starbase facility is located at 25 degrees north latitude, and the space agency's Guiana Center is located at 25 degrees north latitude. Europe (ESA) is located at 5 degrees north latitude.

This common feature is because if there is support from the Earth, the rocket can more easily fly into space.

At the equator, the Earth rotates 1,650 km/h relative to the center of the planet. The closer to the equator, the less fuel it takes to fly into space because it can take advantage of this rotation speed.

Rockets launched near the equator will start flying at 5% of the speed needed to reach orbit, significantly reducing fuel, greatly increasing cargo mass.

Russia's Soyuz spacecraft launched from the equator carried 60% more cargo than those launched from Kazakhstan.

However, launching near the equator is useful for many but not all orbits. There are spaceports located further north because there is no need for increased speed.

Kareem Winters

Update 14 July 2024