Pendulum Rocket Fallacy - Solutions

Solutions

To fly correctly, rockets must have a means of stability. The fins of model rockets and the sticks of firework rockets act aerodynamically to keep the axis of the rocket pointing in the direction of flight, which will not overcome the instability, but will greatly reduce it, and will give a gravity turn trajectory. Larger rockets can do without fins by using a guidance and control system that actively steers the rocket and keeps it flying in the intended direction.

Even a Goddard-type rocket, with the engine at the front, will fly correctly if fitted with fins or another means of control. Examples of this are the launch escape systems fitted to some crewed spacecraft such as the Saturn V rocket.

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