In fact, there are several reasons why we cannot launch rockets from anywhere in the world. Let’s take a look at these reasons now.
1. The Importance of Geographic Location
We cannot launch rockets from every point in the world because geography is very important. Taking advantage of the Earth’s rotation provides a great advantage, especially when sending rockets into space. Since the Earth rotates eastward, rockets are generally launched eastward. This allows the rocket to go faster with less fuel.
Equatorial regions are perfect for this job. Rockets launched from places close to the equator can easily reach orbit by taking better advantage of the Earth’s rotation speed. This is why, for example, it is more efficient to launch rockets from Ecuador rather than from Europe.
Of course, rockets aren’t just launched around the equator. Sometimes special orbits passing through the poles are needed. In this case, launches are made from places close to northern or southern latitudes. However, this time, it is necessary to choose a place suitable for the orbit the rocket wants to reach.
2. Safety is paramount
Imagine, you launch a rocket and it takes off at tremendous speed. But part of that rocket will also fall back to Earth from the atmosphere. That’s why launch points need to be near seas or low-inhabited areas. Rocket fragments falling into a residential area can be very dangerous.
There is also air traffic. There are countless planes flying in the sky, so it is important that the rocket launch area is away from air traffic. Aircraft routes may have to be changed. This is an issue that needs to be taken into consideration in terms of both logistics and security.
3. Infrastructure and Challenges
Launching a rocket is not something that can be done anywhere. This requires special and expensive launch facilities. Not only these facilities, but also many technological systems in which the rocket will be prepared, fueled and controlled are required.
There is also the weather, of course. Adverse conditions such as high winds, storms or extreme heat can jeopardize launches. For example, a launch site by the sea might be great, but if there are constant storms things get tough.
4. Political and Legal Obstacles
There is also a legal dimension to launching rockets. Each country has its own airspace, and other countries’ use of this airspace usually depends on permissions. So, to fly a rocket over a country, you have to get permission from that country. Otherwise, even diplomatic crises may arise.
There are also international space agreements. These agreements regulate all activities into space. In other words, it is not always legally possible to launch rockets from wherever we want, however we want.
In short, there are many technical, geographical, security and legal reasons behind why we can launch rockets from anywhere. But these restrictions also help us develop the safest and most efficient ways to get to space.
