@poemblaze If the acceleration of the rocket were limited to 9.8m/s^2, the astronaut wouldn't feel any different. But launches aren't limited in that way, acceleration is much higher, so the astronaut feels much heavier in their seat.
@NoahPaulLeGies I know it has to do with inertial forces, but I'm having trouble teasing that apart since the astronauts are travelling up.
@poemblaze The direction has nothing to do with it. Inertia is inertia, no matter which way you go. An airplane diving will still press you into your seat if it's accelerating fast enough.
@NoahPaulLeGies True. Relativity is still very counterintuitive.
@NoahPaulLeGies But why? If gravity isn't actually a force, what causes that effect?