C
cl10k
Guest
Hello^^
The title basically says it already.
Which latitude would be optimal for starting into polar orbits?
My first thoughts are:
You don't need the additional Delta_V you gain from a equatorial launch site and also you would need a fuel consuming maneuver to change inclination
Usually you would like to start/flyover an unpopulated area , which means that a latitude of 70° with a flight in northern direction would be ok (like Plessetzk in Russia) OR you fly in southern direction over the south atlantic/pacific (like Vandenberg)
Those are simple considerations but I ask myself if I missed something more important related to orbital mechanics.
What about earth's own rotation speed - is it a problem for launches into a polar orbit? Would a launch side near the poles maybe optimal?
Thanks in advance
cl10k
PS: I hope I made myself clear - you can easily read that I'm no native speaker, so please bear with me
The title basically says it already.
Which latitude would be optimal for starting into polar orbits?
My first thoughts are:
You don't need the additional Delta_V you gain from a equatorial launch site and also you would need a fuel consuming maneuver to change inclination
Usually you would like to start/flyover an unpopulated area , which means that a latitude of 70° with a flight in northern direction would be ok (like Plessetzk in Russia) OR you fly in southern direction over the south atlantic/pacific (like Vandenberg)
Those are simple considerations but I ask myself if I missed something more important related to orbital mechanics.
What about earth's own rotation speed - is it a problem for launches into a polar orbit? Would a launch side near the poles maybe optimal?
Thanks in advance
cl10k
PS: I hope I made myself clear - you can easily read that I'm no native speaker, so please bear with me