Is a rocket with a Center of Gravity positioned 7.5 cm behind the Center of Pressure considered stable?

To determine if a rocket is stable, understanding the relationship between the Center of Gravity (CG) and the Center of Pressure (CP) is crucial. A rocket is considered stable when its Center of Gravity is located ahead of its Center of Pressure. This positioning allows the rocket to self-correct if it begins to deviate from its flight path.

In this scenario, the Center of Gravity being positioned 7.5 cm behind the Center of Pressure indicates that the rocket's CG is trailing the CP rather than leading it. When this occurs, any disturbance in the rocket's flight path can cause it to rotate uncontrollably, leading to a loss of stability in flight.

Stability is fundamentally about how a rocket responds to the forces acting upon it during flight. If the CG is rearward of the CP, the rocket is more likely to become unstable and can enter a spiraling motion or tumble rather than maintaining a straight trajectory. In order for a rocket to achieve and maintain stable flight, the Center of Gravity must always be in front of the Center of Pressure.

Thus, in the case of the rocket described, it would not be considered stable due to the inappropriate relationship between the CG and CP as described.