Why are astronauts placed horizontally when taking off?

[RohanTalkad]

It because of the tremendous force they COULD face if taken off vertically? Is this is due to inertia (resistance to change motion)?

 

[davenn]

Hi Rohan
welcome to PF

It because of the tremendous force they COULD face if taken off vertically?

The g-forces are the same on the person in either way
But when they are lying as they do, the forces are more evenly spread across the whole bodyDave

 

[berkeman]

... and to help prevent G-LOC...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-LOC

 

[RohanTalkad]

Hi Rohan
welcome to PF

The g-forces are the same on the person in either way
But when they are lying as they do, the forces are more evenly spread across the whole bodyDave

Oh I see, thanks!

 

[davenn]

... and to help prevent G-LOC...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-LOC

thanks

Yes, I should have gone on to comment about blood draining from upper body and pooling in legs and feetD

 

[e.bar.goum]

The g-force you can stand depends on the direction of that force, and where the force goes through your back to front (or vice-versa) gives you the best ability to withstand it. Mary Roach's book Packing for Mars has a rather good section on this (the book is hilarious too).

 

[Lord Crc]

I guess it's also easier on their spine?