Why Rockets Don't Fly Straight Up

Ғылым және технология

Why don’t rockets fly straight up? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explain the curious flight paths of rockets, how they get into orbit, and the Brachistochrone problem.
What are the major differences between airplanes and rockets? We discuss rocket fuel, hydrogen fuel, and when rockets execute the roll program. Learn about how rockets get into orbit and how it looks like the Bernoulli brother’s Brachistochrone problem.
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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #neildegrassetyson
Timestamps:
00:00 - Rockets v. Airplanes
3:15 - Executing the Roll Program
5:42 - How Rockets Get Into Orbit
7:05 - The Brachistochrone Problem

Пікірлер: 709

  • @StarTalk
    @StarTalk6 ай бұрын

    Did you watch the recent Starship test launch?

  • @RiseOfTheNew

    @RiseOfTheNew

    6 ай бұрын

    No u missed it 😔😔

  • @Meatloaf_TV

    @Meatloaf_TV

    6 ай бұрын

    I did and me and my friends collectively lost our minds it was one of the coolest rocket launches I have ever seen This and other rockets are what inspired me to do aerospace engineering in college right now

  • @Zbezt

    @Zbezt

    6 ай бұрын

    In my observational understanding it was perfect aside from some electrical issues from possible internal condensation

  • @Meatloaf_TV

    @Meatloaf_TV

    6 ай бұрын

    ​@@Zbeztfar from it something went seriously wrong with the engines on the booster after hostage and we still don't know why starship was terminated

  • @Zbezt

    @Zbezt

    6 ай бұрын

    ​@@Meatloaf_TV stick to gaming and programming its evident you cant see through walls without an algorithim assist

  • @beau-urns
    @beau-urns6 ай бұрын

    Sometimes I realize how much Chuck has learned… dude is VERY educated on these topics now. He’s always been bright, and now he’s bright AND educated. What’s a combo

  • @mctuble

    @mctuble

    6 ай бұрын

    The importance of having smart friends

  • @usaintwinnin7312

    @usaintwinnin7312

    6 ай бұрын

    But just memorizing what someone told you doesn’t make you educated. Maybe a little more knowledgeable, but that’s it.

  • @mctuble

    @mctuble

    6 ай бұрын

    @@usaintwinnin7312 I definitely doesn't hurt to have people talking to you about stuff like this and making you think rather than the latest internet challenge.

  • @beau-urns

    @beau-urns

    6 ай бұрын

    @@usaintwinnin7312 he’s not memorizing. He responds to complex prompts and even when not prompted with analysis and input It’s clear he understands, doesn’t memorize. He’s also quick AF on his feet Not sure why you’re being a hater.

  • @jeffstorey9147

    @jeffstorey9147

    6 ай бұрын

    Remember that his job is the play the uneducated role, and set NGT up to go on a rant. He’s a real pro at it too.

  • @silentblackhole
    @silentblackhole6 ай бұрын

    This is the first time I've ever heard of the Brachistochrone problem, and then when you flipped it up side down for the orbit solution it blew my mind! Loved it! Thanks guys

  • @RollMeOne_Kenobi

    @RollMeOne_Kenobi

    5 ай бұрын

    Vsauce has an excellent video about it where he goes way in depth and it honestly only gets more mind blowing lol

  • @Svensk7119

    @Svensk7119

    5 ай бұрын

    Me too! Well done, doc!

  • @stephenselby4252

    @stephenselby4252

    5 ай бұрын

    Hang on. For going up, wouldn’t the rocket gain more velocity going sideways first and then flipping upward? But then it would have to overcome the friction of the denser air on the surface. Is the Brachywhatever really relevant?

  • @michaelslee4336

    @michaelslee4336

    2 ай бұрын

    The Curiosity Show with Rob and Deane (in Australia) from when I was a kid did this, mind blown even back then.

  • @falklumo

    @falklumo

    Ай бұрын

    @@stephenselby4252The goal is not for going up but going fast. Velocity is where the energy is needed for, height is nothing (less than 1%). But you also need the right direction if not going to the moon. And you’re right, you need to be out of atmosphere as quick as possible too or you just melt …

  • @aaronscott1907
    @aaronscott19075 ай бұрын

    I love how profound his off-the-cuff statements are: "When you're curious and you're mathematically literate and you know a little bit of physics, these questions come up in your life, and you're compelled to solve them." Perfect wording to convey why math and science are so important in a practical sense. Great episode!

  • @timtim4664

    @timtim4664

    3 ай бұрын

    @@HopDavid It is still a step in the right direction. People think Neil is a "God of Science".... which is a step above "Bill Nye the science guy". I'm just happy the common people still look for science as an explanation to the question of "why?". He may not always be correct, but he is in the right location...because a lot of people are lost.

  • @hidasineto
    @hidasineto6 ай бұрын

    The new "edited" videos are much better than the past non-edited videos. Please, keep investing on that. Love you guys! Been watching you since the big bang

  • @BJSMOOVEyt

    @BJSMOOVEyt

    4 ай бұрын

    13.8 billion years plus?!

  • @gm2958

    @gm2958

    Ай бұрын

    Except they would be much better without the added “music”.

  • @RandomInTheChat
    @RandomInTheChat5 ай бұрын

    Hi guys! It's RJ,while I was watching this video I noticed something I found very relatable so I figured I'd share my thoughts and findings with you and absolutely excited to do so.I've been skateboarding for going on 30 years and I can confirm that dropping in ( rolling down) a quarter pipe ( quarter circle ramp) one definitely obtains more speed than if one was dropping in on a bank ramp (triangle ramp) that is the same height so long as all other variables are the same ,no matter what human powered vehicles happens to be their psychotic hearts desire from bikes to scooters,roller blades and my personal favorite skateboards the results are the same. As a long time and multiple account subscriber ( not great with passwords lol) and lifetime learner I want to thank you both for making learning fun and things like science and physics approachable not just for myself and my 4 boys but for so many others Thank you Neal, Thank you Chuck .I hope that you two continue to do what you do for many years to come!

  • @RiseOfTheNew
    @RiseOfTheNew6 ай бұрын

    Love watching star talk. Learn, laugh and get my mind blown everytime ❤❤❤

  • @michaelccopelandsr7120

    @michaelccopelandsr7120

    6 ай бұрын

    As it should be ;-P

  • @petergreen5337

    @petergreen5337

    5 ай бұрын

    Well said

  • @nagasreekanth7178
    @nagasreekanth71785 ай бұрын

    The Brachistochrone Problem is the coolest thing ever I heard in this channel

  • @jesperlett
    @jesperlett6 ай бұрын

    The reason for the brachistochrone curve in space flight is not immediately obvious, however. The reason to go vertical in the beginning is to get clear of the dense atmosphere as quickly as possible to reduce drag.

  • @VonJay

    @VonJay

    4 ай бұрын

    I’d argue that the brachistochrone curve in space IS immediately obvious, since the craft needs to fall towards earth and the fastest way to get that started (and for efficiency reasons) is with a curve of shortest time. The curve is not practical in heavy atmosphere, and that’s exactly what they covered.

  • @shrodingerschat2258

    @shrodingerschat2258

    Ай бұрын

    KSP taught me that!

  • @SunilNayak714
    @SunilNayak7145 ай бұрын

    Lets take a moment to appreciate the effort of Bernoulli brothers 👏

  • @DonCarlione973
    @DonCarlione9735 ай бұрын

    Out of the scientists of our era I feel that Neal D. Tyson is one of the most open-minded and honest of them. He's very unbiased which is a trait of a great scientist. Nothing is impossible to him and I love how he breaks everything down for us. I have quite a bit of respect for this man I appreciate what he does and the true person that he is.

  • @sapelesteve
    @sapelesteve6 ай бұрын

    Terrific explainer Neal! Like many others, I never knew the exact way a rocket was launched into space. Thanks & I hope that you, Chuck & your families have a terrific Turkey Day & Happy Holidays. 👍👍🦃🦃🌲🌲

  • @josephmarino2654
    @josephmarino26546 ай бұрын

    Thanks Neil and Chuck. I always enjoy StarTalk.

  • @Famezonen
    @Famezonen6 ай бұрын

    7:17 never ent to college. But Neil will always be my fav teacher. Mind boggles me in every video.

  • @TonyVSTheWorld
    @TonyVSTheWorld5 ай бұрын

    The illustration of the Brachistocheone curve blew my mind when you flipped over!!!! Made all the sense in the world!! Crazy!

  • @bodan1196

    @bodan1196

    Ай бұрын

    We Kerbals calls it a gravity turn.

  • @fiercefix

    @fiercefix

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@bodan1196Anti gravity turn !?

  • @nickdsp8089
    @nickdsp80896 ай бұрын

    For those wondering how they came up with the word 'brachistochrone'. It is from 'brachis' = 'βραχύς' in greek and its meaning is 'sort' combined with 'chrone', 'chronos' from the greek word 'χρονος' which translates to 'time'. Βραχυχρόνιο = sort time. We use this word even in the modern greek.

  • @jpdemer5

    @jpdemer5

    6 ай бұрын

    Not βράχιστος χρόνος?

  • @nickdsp8089

    @nickdsp8089

    6 ай бұрын

    @@jpdemer5 maybe superlative but not used

  • @Paolo_De_Leva

    @Paolo_De_Leva

    5 ай бұрын

    _"A _*_brachistochrone curve_*_ (from Ancient Greek βράχιστος χρόνος (brákhistos khrónos) 'shortest time')..."_ From Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachistochrone_curve)

  • @nickdsp8089

    @nickdsp8089

    5 ай бұрын

    @@Paolo_De_Leva it is like : good, better, best as i said βράχιστος is superlative of ΄βραχύς not a completely new meaning. Ιnstead of βράχιστος we prefer βραχύτατος nowadays which has the same meaning. BTW the comperative is βραχύτερος

  • @Paolo_De_Leva

    @Paolo_De_Leva

    5 ай бұрын

    ​@@nickdsp8089 You wrote _"maybe superlative."_ Wikipedia gives a better answer.

  • @6thdayblue59
    @6thdayblue596 ай бұрын

    “Mike Drop” I’m in tears laughing……… Chuck is a legend. Thank you guys x

  • @SoupedUpCustoms
    @SoupedUpCustoms6 ай бұрын

    Chuck Nice really adds up a whole lot more to these kinds of explainer vids. More of this and chuck nice as well!

  • @yournway
    @yournway6 ай бұрын

    That was certainly one of the geekiest but most elegantly explained maths translated to actual rocket science explanation I have ever heard, even on this channel. Thank you!

  • @Shaw_Cardboard_Treasures

    @Shaw_Cardboard_Treasures

    4 ай бұрын

    You know the phrase it's not rocket science. Well this makes it a lot simpler to understand and explain to even a 6yr old.

  • @newbornmaple87
    @newbornmaple876 ай бұрын

    ""Bernoulli Brothers were the life of the party"! 😄

  • @Carverman08
    @Carverman086 ай бұрын

    Just started the episode but I know it’s going to be another great video!

  • @Cristianotorres1998
    @Cristianotorres19986 ай бұрын

    Wow, that’s great to learn, Thank You Neal ! 👏🏼🙏🏼

  • @henocktaddese6892
    @henocktaddese68925 ай бұрын

    Thank you Neil, you remind of questions we never bothered to ask, and love the mic drop! Thank you Chuck for all the fun, you never miss a beat!

  • @flyingo
    @flyingo6 ай бұрын

    That announcer from the Hindenburg disaster was from my hometown Wichita, KS. Just a fun fact.. well, to me anyway.

  • @diegofernandez4789
    @diegofernandez47896 ай бұрын

    Great explainer guys. Loved it!

  • @toon3ry
    @toon3ry6 ай бұрын

    Love and light to you and the family Neil. Condolences to you on the death of your mum❤🕊️

  • @danielludlow8960
    @danielludlow89606 ай бұрын

    I love these explainers so much...I literally talk out loud like you can hear saying how awesome it is!

  • @andrewm8429
    @andrewm84296 ай бұрын

    i was just thinking about why they roll the other day! Perfect timing!

  • @whistletutor
    @whistletutor3 ай бұрын

    I've been a space nerd my whole life and I've never heard of the Brachistochrone problem and how it relates to trajectory - that's why I love Star Talk, always something to learn!

  • @michaelwoo4279
    @michaelwoo42795 ай бұрын

    Thank you for starsplaining! Love it every time!

  • @ra2186
    @ra21866 ай бұрын

    08:05 There's usually not a concept completely new to me when I watch these. This fact about rocket launches blew my mind!

  • @BogdanSilviuAron
    @BogdanSilviuAron6 ай бұрын

    I follow a lot of scientific channels... A lot... And always learn new things or understand the new things I've learned... But in this channel I understand everyday things, that I thought I already understood, but I find out that I was wrong, or not completely correct, and after seeing your videos I completely understand them correctly. This channel it's Unique! Thank Neil and the other guy 😜

  • @michaelccopelandsr7120
    @michaelccopelandsr71206 ай бұрын

    Neil and Chuck for 2024!

  • @markousey5564
    @markousey55645 ай бұрын

    Wow you guys explain and simplify the science enough to make it digestible. I love the rapport and humour making it entertaining too. Simply my favourite KZreadrs. Thank you.

  • @eldwdubu6968
    @eldwdubu69686 ай бұрын

    Learn and laugh with these two. Always fun, Thanks!

  • @likemeordont5951
    @likemeordont59516 ай бұрын

    Thanks for letting me hang out with you guys, and you know, teaching me stuff.

  • @ghahrai
    @ghahrai6 ай бұрын

    Thanks Neil & Chuck . I have learned more from your explainers than i could have from a hundred books. ❤

  • @sosheeanand3537
    @sosheeanand35376 ай бұрын

    This is mind blowing explanation honestly.

  • @VonJay

    @VonJay

    4 ай бұрын

    It’s probably one of the smoothest explanations I’ve ever heard. I didn’t have to struggle to understand anything.

  • @kirandeepchakraborty7921
    @kirandeepchakraborty79216 ай бұрын

    One of the best episode ever. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • @Madhamz
    @Madhamz6 ай бұрын

    From one Chuck to another Chuck. Watching my two favourite shows on youtube,Inside the NBA and Star Talk.

  • @thomchristensen990
    @thomchristensen9905 ай бұрын

    Great episode. The editing on this is superb. Thank you.

  • @thomchristensen990

    @thomchristensen990

    5 ай бұрын

    Also looking forward to your year in review talk on Jan 4th at the Museum. Last year was eye opening.

  • @tamirleibovich
    @tamirleibovich5 ай бұрын

    8:33 classic Neil/chuck good vibes 😍⭐️ love you guys !

  • @helpus1456
    @helpus14566 ай бұрын

    First time watching. I really enjoyed this segment. Didn't understand more than have of it. But, you two were fun to watch.

  • @GAMEOVERTBH
    @GAMEOVERTBH6 ай бұрын

    Short video but gold information 😜👍🏿💯

  • @charlessukati4866
    @charlessukati48666 ай бұрын

    Brilliant lesson from these two ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

  • @peterjackson2722
    @peterjackson27226 ай бұрын

    That was fascinating, thankyou!

  • @PedroFernandes1984
    @PedroFernandes19845 ай бұрын

    I really love this channel. always learn something new, and the comunication is awesome! Congratulations!

  • @BobbyJOnline
    @BobbyJOnline6 ай бұрын

    If we had these videos when I was a Kid in the 80’s.. I’d be GLUED to the TV 24/7

  • @EdwardKilner
    @EdwardKilner2 ай бұрын

    Excellent. Learned stuff. BASc EE ‘71 and still love learning. Granddaughter is new Systems Design Engineering grad, now in Masters program. Third generation Engineer. My parents never met her, but would have been delighted with her and astounded by us all.

  • @GAMEOVERTBH
    @GAMEOVERTBH6 ай бұрын

    Great information 👌🏿100%

  • @mattgraham5992
    @mattgraham59926 ай бұрын

    Thanks again. My favorite way to start my late night.

  • @Shaw_Cardboard_Treasures
    @Shaw_Cardboard_Treasures4 ай бұрын

    That was very informative. And not over my head.

  • @DJ-xu5fv
    @DJ-xu5fvАй бұрын

    Best 10 minutes of my day! Thanks guys.

  • @brawlwith_me
    @brawlwith_me6 ай бұрын

    Nice new intro music my favourite was the first one you guys had used in older videos ❤

  • @SureshKesraniOfficial
    @SureshKesraniOfficial6 ай бұрын

    Amazing truly amazing discussion

  • @davidconlee2196
    @davidconlee21966 ай бұрын

    That bit about the Brachristochrone problem was pretty cool

  • @abelmedina-aispuro3716
    @abelmedina-aispuro37165 ай бұрын

    I can’t stop watching this episode. I love it

  • @JamesWilliams-gv7zd
    @JamesWilliams-gv7zdАй бұрын

    I used to live in Titusville Florida. It was awesome to see and hear the the shuttle coming and going

  • @RodrigoM3llo
    @RodrigoM3llo5 ай бұрын

    This video gave me a completely new perspective on explaining rocket's optimal trajectory

  • @akubuosamuel4194
    @akubuosamuel4194Ай бұрын

    Today I know about brachistochrone problem and rocket trajectory. ❤❤ Thanks Sir!.

  • @tokonjudo
    @tokonjudo5 ай бұрын

    it is heart warming when you laugh at chuck for real :)

  • @TheKobiDror
    @TheKobiDror5 ай бұрын

    Fantastic vibes between the two of you AND getting to know a little bit more each time. I didn't knew that fact and it goes straight into my useless knowledge drawer within my memory 🤓

  • @fiddlefiver
    @fiddlefiver5 ай бұрын

    I'm learning so much, Thank you 🎉

  • @alafayette1100
    @alafayette11006 ай бұрын

    Love these guys so much ❤

  • @sherwincantago6384
    @sherwincantago638423 күн бұрын

    Thank you!.. I learned something today. 😊

  • @msbudmsbud7593
    @msbudmsbud75936 ай бұрын

    Very cool guys, thank you !!

  • @mickeybrumfield764
    @mickeybrumfield7646 ай бұрын

    Long live Neil, Chuck, and Star Talk bringing us such good information about the party oriented Bernoulli brothers and rocket science. ❤

  • @Goodjobeveryone
    @Goodjobeveryone6 ай бұрын

    Thank you guys!!!

  • @StofftiereLindner
    @StofftiereLindner6 ай бұрын

    Love your talks

  • @cliftonjohnson8069
    @cliftonjohnson80696 ай бұрын

    Great Star Talk!!!

  • @BurqueMD
    @BurqueMDАй бұрын

    These are so wonderful, thank you!

  • @OnceSomeFunATime
    @OnceSomeFunATime6 ай бұрын

    That's the coolest thing I learned this year

  • @Bojeezy
    @BojeezyАй бұрын

    Neil and Chuck need to do a standup special together. I would watch that also. Their banter is just as entertaining as the information being provided. Like they are just 2 friends talking over a cup of coffee.

  • @yaelbj
    @yaelbj3 ай бұрын

    That mic drop was really good! I am very glad I watched this! 😌

  • @petergreen5337
    @petergreen53375 ай бұрын

    ❤thank you very much for this beautiful lesson

  • @christianmarquez3143
    @christianmarquez31436 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much. Love you guys.

  • @Stisse12
    @Stisse126 ай бұрын

    Best Science YT channel !

  • @VikingTeddy
    @VikingTeddy6 ай бұрын

    Oh yess! Thank you Neil. This will help my Kerbaling so much!

  • @ct1igu401
    @ct1igu4015 ай бұрын

    Brilliant & funny, thanks.

  • @KokoroInt
    @KokoroInt6 ай бұрын

    This was awesome!

  • @Darren51283
    @Darren512835 ай бұрын

    So, what do a solid fuel rocket booster and an EV battery pack have in common? Once they ignite, you can't turn them off.

  • @shantanuaphale3966
    @shantanuaphale39662 ай бұрын

    Gr8 explanation by world's greatest of educators ❤

  • @jeffreysokal7264
    @jeffreysokal72642 ай бұрын

    Excellent....as always!

  • @Fres-no
    @Fres-noАй бұрын

    Well Done guys!.... made me feel smarter!

  • @kevinfletcher1999
    @kevinfletcher199926 күн бұрын

    Even on topics I know something about, Neil always has some great facts I knew nothing about. He’s my favourite educator.

  • @ArkFen
    @ArkFen6 ай бұрын

    Nice one

  • @mndwrp311
    @mndwrp3114 ай бұрын

    I love these videos. Neil and Chuck make an awesome pairing.

  • @MedicalMyke
    @MedicalMyke5 ай бұрын

    Man, I love how much love you both have!

  • @joeyannece6197
    @joeyannece61976 ай бұрын

    The kids in the class were watching Challenger blow up.

  • @OptemusPr1meXBox
    @OptemusPr1meXBoxАй бұрын

    Sooooooo dope!!! Thx ND-T

  • @JKa244
    @JKa2445 ай бұрын

    Launch trajectories are beautiful. Rocket, ballistic, air breathing - such a beautiful interplay between simple physics and more complex fluid mechanics

  • @chernohmansaray402
    @chernohmansaray4025 ай бұрын

    You are amazing. Modern genius.. classic demonstration

  • @gregkent8955
    @gregkent89556 ай бұрын

    Subject: roll at Shuttle launch: I was part of "lunch with an Astronaut" at Kennedy Space center a few years ago and it was with Chris Hatfield. "any questions?" he asked. I asked "Why does the Shuttle roll after launch?" Answer: The launch pad is facing the wrong way for Shuttle launches because it was orientated for rocket launches. The Tank needs to be on the Nader side for safe release. This concludes my 'explainer'. You and Chuck are a perfect match. Chuck keeps you from going too far by using humor. Keep 'em coming.

  • @phillippolack145
    @phillippolack1455 ай бұрын

    AMAZING WORK!

  • @6dmiller
    @6dmiller2 ай бұрын

    Hmmm, for a very long time I thought a cycloid was the fastest path down a hill, but I don't remember where I got that. Glad I watched!

  • @Connect2discxnnect
    @Connect2discxnnect6 ай бұрын

    Love you guys!

  • @miguelraulgonzalez7744
    @miguelraulgonzalez77444 ай бұрын

    Beautiful explanation. Thank you Neil.

  • @mglasson
    @mglasson6 ай бұрын

    "When the pitchforks come for Elon..." 😝

  • @pratikmali9277
    @pratikmali92776 ай бұрын

    I came here thinking I’d know everything he has to say about brachistochrone (because I watched about it in Vsauce) but that thing about rocket launch trajectory blew my mind 🤯

  • @hassaniq0777

    @hassaniq0777

    6 ай бұрын

    ​@@HopDavidas a physicist, I can say we all sometimes like to make stuff up. I made this up as well

  • @VonJay

    @VonJay

    4 ай бұрын

    @@HopDavidI was trying to figure out how the b problem relates and I finally figured it out though it was plainly stated in the video. I keep forgetting, even though it was explained, that to stay in orbit you have to fall to earth fast enough to keep missing it. I think the point that confused me was the frame of reference since the shuttle is no longer trying to escape earth and is just simply trying to fall toward it. So the b. problem is really about efficiency (as stated in the video) and continuously missing earth as you’re falling toward it (as fast as possible initially).

  • @Grubik
    @Grubik5 ай бұрын

    8:25 was the ooooooh moment for me how did i never think of that. I have had same feeling when i saw at some other video explanation of propeller as two sails on cylinder.

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