I figured it would not be totally perpendicular. But still, the vector at that point is still aimed more at gaining speed rather than altitude. I assume that the path is designed to get above the sensible atmosphere, then tilt over more toward horizontal to use the thrust to add velocity. That's why I'd love to see a graph of the vertical and horizontal data. It's on a numerical display during the first few minutes of launch on cable outlets, but I've never seen anything on NASA TV. I assume that the commercial TV displays are based on nominal info, not real time data from the launch in progress. <br /><br />Besides, a well designed graph can display much more information.<br /><br />A graph is worth a thousand pictures, a picture is worth a thousand words, therefore a graph is worth a million words <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>