What phase follows the ascent in a typical rocket flight?

In a typical rocket flight, the phase that follows the ascent is known as the coast phase. During the ascent phase, the rocket accelerates upward, powered by its engines until it reaches a certain altitude and velocity. Once the rocket's engines shut down, it enters the coast phase. In this phase, the rocket continues to travel upward for a short period due to its momentum, but there is no propulsion as the engines are no longer firing. This coast phase is essential for achieving the peak altitude of the flight before gravity begins to bring the rocket back down.

Understanding the coast phase is crucial, as it signifies the transition between powered flight and the beginning of the descent. The data about maximum altitude, speed, and other parameters is often collected during this phase, which is key for analyzing the flight performance.