Rocket Launch Simulator
You can view the Help Section to Understand how the Physics works
Orbital Insertion Analysis
Animated Rocket Flight
Flight Trajectory
Altitude vs Time
Velocity vs Time
Acceleration
Mass and Fuel
Thrust vs Aerodynamic Drag
Mach Number
Engine Performance
How the Simulation Works
This simulator calculates the rocket's trajectory by repeatedly applying the laws of physics over small time intervals.
1. Engine Thrust
Rocket engine thrust uses both momentum thrust and pressure thrust.
ṁ = propellant mass flow rate
Vₑ = exhaust velocity
pₑ = nozzle exit pressure
pₐ = atmospheric pressure
Aₑ = nozzle exit area
2. Gravity
Gravity changes with altitude.
3. Atmospheric Density
The simulator calculates temperature, pressure, air density and speed of sound.
4. Atmospheric Drag
5. Launch Angle and Force Components
0° = horizontal, 45° = 45° above horizontal, 90° = vertical.
6. Net Force
7. Acceleration
8. Velocity Update
9. Position / Altitude Update
10. Orbital Velocity
This is the ideal circular orbital speed at the current altitude.
Complete Simulation Loop
1. Determine altitude.
2. Calculate atmospheric conditions.
3. Calculate gravity.
4. Calculate exhaust velocity and mass flow.
5. Calculate thrust.
6. Calculate velocity and drag.
7. Resolve thrust and drag.
8. Calculate net force and acceleration.
9. Update velocity and position.
10. Calculate Mach number, dynamic pressure and orbital velocity.
11. Store results and repeat.