How does a suborbital flight differ from an orbital mission?
Answer
Suborbital flights reach space altitude without completing a full revolution around Earth
Suborbital flights are characterized by a trajectory that reaches the threshold of space, often defined as the Karman line, but does not achieve the velocity necessary to maintain a stable orbit. Because these vehicles do not reach orbital speed, they follow a parabolic arc that eventually brings them back to Earth's surface. In contrast, orbital missions involve achieving the much higher velocity required to circle the planet continuously, which necessitates more powerful rockets and allows for extended stays in orbit.
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