Rocket launches from spaceports near the equator are a common practice among space agencies worldwide. This is due to several reasons, including the Earth’s gravity, which helps increase speed and reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, proximity to the ocean ensures that if a rocket fails shortly after launch, it can safely crash into an unpopulated area like the ocean.
The latitude of the spaceport plays a crucial role in rocket launches. Spaceports like Kennedy Space Center in Florida and SpaceX’s Starbase facility share similar latitudes because rockets benefit from the Earth’s rotation near the equator. The Earth rotates at high speeds near the equator, providing rockets with a speed boost that makes it easier to reach orbit. Launching near the equator significantly reduces the amount of fuel required to get a rocket to space, ultimately increasing its payload capacity.
One example of this is ESA’s upcoming launch of the Ariane 6 rocket from the Guiana Space Center, which will take advantage of the equatorial location to minimize fuel consumption and maximize payload capacity. Similarly, Russian Soyuz spacecraft have shown that launching from the equator results in carrying significantly more cargo than those launched from higher latitudes.
In conclusion, launching rockets near the equator is a strategic decision that allows space agencies to optimize their missions and achieve efficient access to space.