Which three major factors determine the maximum altitude of a high-power rocket in vertical flight?

The maximum altitude of a high-power rocket during its vertical flight is fundamentally influenced by three primary factors: motor thrust, rocket weight, and aerodynamic drag.

Motor thrust is critical because it represents the force generated by the rocket engine that propels the rocket upward. The greater the thrust produced, the higher the rocket can ascend before gravity and drag begin to overcome this force.

Rocket weight is another essential element, as it directly affects how much thrust is needed to achieve a given altitude. A heavier rocket requires more thrust to lift itself off the ground and to continue ascending. The balance between thrust and weight determines the rocket’s ability to reach altitude.

Aerodynamic drag is the resistance the rocket encounters as it travels through the atmosphere. As the rocket ascends, it experiences drag that acts against its motion. The design of the rocket, which includes its shape and surface qualities, influences how much aerodynamic drag is present. Minimizing drag is crucial for achieving higher altitudes, as it contributes to the overall forces acting on the rocket during flight.

In this context, the other options include factors that, while relevant to rocket performance, do not singularly or directly determine maximum altitude as effectively as thrust, weight, and drag do in their interplay. Thus, these three factors