Launching rockets near the equator is a common practice among space agencies worldwide due to several reasons. Firstly, it takes advantage of the Earth’s gravity, which helps increase speed and reduce fuel consumption. Secondly, proximity to the ocean is crucial for launch sites to ensure that if a rocket fails shortly after launch, it can safely crash into an unpopulated area like the ocean. Additionally, the latitude of spaceports plays a significant role in rocket launches as rockets benefit from the Earth’s rotation near the equator.
ESA’s upcoming launch of the Ariane 6 rocket from the Guiana Space Center will take advantage of its equatorial location to minimize fuel consumption and maximize payload capacity. Similarly, Russian Soyuz spacecraft have shown that launching from the equator results in carrying significantly more cargo than those launched from higher latitudes. This decision allows space agencies to optimize their missions and achieve efficient access to space while prioritizing safety and efficiency.