2 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)
View submission: Any idea what this is?
Hi. I dont know anything about rockets or rocket launches. I have not even seen one. But Im surprised the shape of this exhaust is so unique but at the same time constant. What I mean is I would expect a V shaped exhaust flame that "flickers" and this is a different shape and doesnt change. How comes?
PS: Please do not downvote me. im genuinely curious and want to learn.
Comment by theanedditor at 07/07/2024 at 20:10 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
KEEPING SHAPE: It's not subject to winds or atmospheric movements that would change its shape after being propelled from engines or vents, so whatever engine or vent directions it sprayed out from, that's its shape, and once its own pressure/energy has dissipated, then inertia takes over. If you pause the video you can see the outer halo of more diffuse material, but still in the general same shape.
SHAPE: Remember, we are are looking up, but it's also 3D, so what appears to be flat to us is actually a three dimensional shape, so guessing it's true outline/geometry is hard. I'd say there's at least two jets, maybe three, and one might have adjusted attitude/horizontal alignment and pushed the rocket end "downward" hence the upward exhaust from a nozzle/vent on the topside of the rocket. The two distinct plumes might be from smaller stabilizers or from boosters, I don't know what launch this was from, I think someone else in the comments identified it.
Hope that helps!