LaunchLab · Earth ascent trainer

Rocket Simulator

Tune realistic launch variables, fly a gravity turn, and watch thrust, mass, drag, Max-Q, and orbital speed fight each other in real time.

Altitude0 km
Velocity0 km/s
Max-Q0 kPa
Orbit readiness0%
T+0s

Flight readout

What the options mean

Physics model notes
  • Gravity: g changes with altitude using μ/r², not a fixed 9.8 forever.
  • Atmosphere: density falls exponentially, so drag fades as altitude climbs.
  • Drag: D = ½ρv²CdA. This creates Max-Q, the scariest aerodynamic load.
  • Mass: vehicle mass drains during burn; lower mass means the same thrust accelerates harder.
  • Pitch program: the rocket starts vertical, then rotates toward horizontal velocity for orbit.
  • Orbit readiness: compares final speed to circular orbital speed at that altitude. It is a teaching signal, not a full guidance optimizer.