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Space Exploration

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    $\begingroup$ I'm thinking that it's the destination that matters most for the initial take-off acceleration. Since a large delta-v is needed for an interplanetary transfer, they added more SRBs, and that results in a larger thrust to weight ratio excess (how much it is greater than 1:1) and therefore initial acceleration rate. $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 1, 2020 at 2:50
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    $\begingroup$ @uhoh Good point, it had more SRBs than a typical Atlas. That's just the configuration of the rocket rather than where it's going, though. $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 1, 2020 at 2:53
  • $\begingroup$ I'm thinking that rocket's configuration is dictated by where its going; the proximal cause may be the number of boosters but the root cause is the destination. $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 1, 2020 at 2:56
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    $\begingroup$ @uhoh It's dictated by how much power is needed. A lighter Mars probe wouldn't have needed the strap-ons, a heavy enough satellite to LEO would have. $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 1, 2020 at 2:56