Why Does My FLIPing Rocket Always Flip Over! AKA: Forces at Work During Launch and Ascent and How to Deal with Them. Part 1: A Stable Rocket First let's take a look at a stable multi-stage rocket, like the one in this picture: Notice that the Center of Mass is closer to the bottom than the top; that's normal. Also, notice that the fins are below the center of mass which helps with stability. Take a look at what happens when the rocket is moving through the ai