@stux Does anyone know why these rocket launches never go straight up? Seems like that would be the fastest way to leave the atmosphere, but they always start angling over soon after leaving the ground.

The most plausible explanation I can think of is that this is to establish orbital speed so they're not trying to dodge satellites in geosynchronous orbit?

@Shdwdrgn @stux Leaving the thick atmosphere quickly is important, but the real goal is to enter an orbit around Earth, so the trajectory chosen is the best compromise between the two objectives.

Also, the closer to the equator a rocket is launched, the more momentum from earth's rotation can be used for acceleration (to save fuel).

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-missions/why-do-rockets-not-launch-straight-up