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From: kendrix_j@mims.enet.dec.com (John R. Kendrix)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Equatorial Launches
Message-ID: <22727@shlump.lkg.dec.com>
Date: 16 May 91 22:43:01 GMT
Sender: newsdaemon@shlump.lkg.dec.com
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation - Alpharetta, Ga.
Lines: 22



I've seen a few posts which have mentioned in passing that NASA derives some
benifit from launching close to the equator due to a 'Sling shot effect'?!?!
I understand that there is centrifugal force involed with the earths rotation,
but I don't see how that can act as a booster to help the shuttle get into
orbit. 

Would someone be so kind as to give me a bit more through explanation as to how
this works??

Thanks!!

JK

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