Why Are Rockets Launched in Florida?

The video explains why NASA chose Cape Canaveral, Florida, as a primary launch site for its rockets. Florida's proximity to the equator provides a speed boost due to Earth's rotation, which is crucial for reaching low Earth orbit efficiently. The video also discusses the historical context of the site selection, the physics of rotation, and the benefits of launching eastward over the Atlantic Ocean. Alternative launch sites like Baikonur Cosmodrome are mentioned, highlighting the trade-offs in fuel and payload. The video concludes with the ongoing use of Cape Canaveral by private companies like SpaceX.

Explain the significance of Earth's rotation in launching rockets into space.

What impact did the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011 have on NASA's operations in Florida?