Efficiency losses in angled rockets

Mike Miller wrote:
Gemini seems to have mounted its translational thrusters on the sides
of its service modules, since the stern of the service module doesn't
seem to have engines:

http://www.astronautix.com/graphics/g/gemini6i.jpg

Was thrust wasted by angling the rockets along the sides of that
tapered service module?

You only lose a very few percent until the side angle becomes significant.
At 25 degrees off axis, the thrust is still 90%.
At 8 degrees, it's over 99%.

Plus, the engines bell can be slightly tilted in the body of the craft.

--
http://inquisitor.i.am/ | | Ian Stirling.
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