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A comment on Webb flies Ariane 5: watch the launch live on 25 December. Parent comment

Re:Webb flies Ariane 5: watch the launch live on 25 December by MobiusHorizons on Friday December 24, 2021 @01:18PM (#29676121)
When rockets are firing lots of acceleration is applied that the delicate structures are only designed to handle when stowed. Think long arms on hinges. They can take acceleration in one axis, but not at 90 degrees to it.
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Re:Webb flies Ariane 5: watch the launch live on 25 December by Mesisio on Friday December 24, 2021 @01:28PM (#29676239)
I guess the acceleration needed to leave orbit might need so much more fuel if you need to do it slowly than doing it fast?

Otherwise it would just take longer.

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Re:Webb flies Ariane 5: watch the launch live on 25 December by aliher1911 on Friday December 24, 2021 @02:03PM (#29676649)
Rocket engines could only be throttled down to certain power and manoeuvring thrusters would run out of propellant way before it reaches any orbit. Maybe something like electric propulsion can do it but it will take very long time to make it practical imho.
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