Launch Azimuth

Launch azimuth is the compass bearing of a rocket's ground track during ascent, measured clockwise from true north. It is the primary variable that determines the resulting orbital inclination. Launching due east (azimuth 90°) from a site at latitude L produces an orbit with inclination equal to L. Launching northeast or southeast increases inclination; launching due north or south produces a polar orbit (90°). The achievable range of azimuths from any launch site is constrained by geography — rockets must not overfly populated areas. Cape Canaveral can launch between 35° and 120° azimuth; Vandenberg between 170° and 240° (southward over the Pacific).