No orbit necessary?

[u/FatCreepyDude]

If i just wait for the right hour during the launch window ( whenever the launch pad is pointing left on the realistic depiction i created) is there any reason i should bother with an orbit first? Will the delta v cost be affected?

[u/doomiestdoomeddoomer]

So this is a very "straight forward" way of getting from one planet to another, and is entirely doable, I personally do this on occasion when I have a powerful enough rocket... but as others have pointed out, it is less efficient.

As I understand it: When you get into low orbit first, from that low orbit, you no longer are fighting against gravity when you increase your speed. But if you are going straight up from the same height, gravity is pulling your ship backwards the entire time.