When must the stability of a rocket be determined?

The stability of a rocket must be determined before the rocket is prepared for flight because this is a crucial step in ensuring safe and effective rocket performance. Stability is a measure of a rocket's ability to maintain a straight trajectory during its flight. It is influenced by factors such as the center of gravity and the center of pressure. Determining stability in advance allows for any necessary adjustments to be made to the rocket's design or configuration, thus mitigating potential flight issues.

Understanding the rocket's stability beforehand allows designers and builders to ensure that their rocket will behave predictably during ascent, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures. By ensuring stability prior to launch, the rocket can be better optimized for its intended flight profile, thereby contributing to overall safety in rocketry activities.