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Glossary >> M >>

Marginal Stability

Rockets with a static margin between 0.5 and 1.0 caliber are considered to be 'marginally stable'. These rockets may fly fine, but extra attention must be given to the wind conditions, thrust-to-weight ratio, and launch rod velocity. For example, short stubby rockets with a length-to-diameter ratio of under 10 typically will be stable with under one caliber of static margin.

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