If the rocket goes vertical, isn't the velocity the same at 1 second before or 1 second after?
If the rocket weathercocks you probably want sooner rather than later so the rocket isn't as far from the pad, and there is less chance that the rocket will be too close to the ground.
If the rocket weathercocks you probably want sooner rather than later so the rocket isn't as far from the pad, and there is less chance that the rocket will be too close to the ground.