What does "CP" stand for in rocketry?

In rocketry, "CP" stands for Center of Pressure. This concept is vital for understanding the stability of a rocket during flight. The Center of Pressure is the point where the aerodynamic forces acting on the rocket are balanced; it is essentially the point at which the total aerodynamic force can be considered to act.

When a rocket is in flight, if the Center of Pressure is located below the Center of Gravity, the rocket is more likely to remain stable. This configuration allows for corrective forces to bring the rocket back to its intended flight path should it begin to tilt or deviate. Conversely, if the Center of Pressure is above the Center of Gravity, it can lead to instability, causing the rocket to tumble or spin uncontrollably.

Understanding the position of the Center of Pressure relative to the Center of Gravity is a fundamental concept when designing and launching rockets, and it can significantly influence the rocket's performance and safety during a flight.