I think the SRB nozzles are angled so their thrust vector approximately passes through vehicle center of gravity. In that case, all you get is some sideways motion (w/respect vehicle long axis), i.e. the vehicle isn't pointed straight up while going straight up and its angle-of-attack is increased somewhat.
Maybe it's just me, but it looks like the vehicle is indeed ponted to the left slightly at 0:45
It was a first for me too - a most odd looking liftoff - it just didnt look "right" !
As you can see the main nozzle was vectored over to offset the imbalanced thrust from the single srb.
Analoguesat 3 years ago
I think the SRB nozzles are angled so their thrust vector approximately passes through vehicle center of gravity. In that case, all you get is some sideways motion (w/respect vehicle long axis), i.e. the vehicle isn't pointed straight up while going straight up and its angle-of-attack is increased somewhat.
Maybe it's just me, but it looks like the vehicle is indeed ponted to the left slightly at 0:45
ugowar 3 years ago
Thats the first time I've seen a launch with a single solid. I would have thought that would be too much of an imbalance in thrust.
kornbeeff 3 years ago
I was the Range Control Officer for this launch.
uncgrad1998 4 years ago
i love rockets
Phristen 4 years ago