Which factor significantly affects the stability of your rocket during flight?

The stability of a rocket during flight is primarily influenced by the relationship between the center of gravity (CG) and the center of pressure (CP). For a rocket to fly straight and remain stable, the center of pressure must be located below the center of gravity in the rocket’s orientation.

When the CG is ahead of the CP, it creates a restoring moment that keeps the rocket pointed in the right direction. If the CP is above the CG, the rocket may become unstable, leading to erratic flight patterns or even loss of control. This fundamental principle of stability is crucial in rocketry; it ensures that the forces acting on the rocket maintain its desired trajectory.

The other factors mentioned, while they can contribute to the general performance and efficiency of the rocket, do not play as central a role in maintaining flight stability as the relationship between CG and CP. For instance, the weight of the recovery system and the design of the fins can affect overall performance but aren't the primary determinants of stability during the ascent phase. The aerodynamic shape of the nose cone is also important for reducing drag but does not specifically influence stability in the same direct way that the CG-to-CP relationship does.