It isn't higher gravity they're overcoming with the first stage, but rather the ...

yock on July 14, 2014 | parent | context | favorite | on: Orbcomm OG2 Falcon 9 Satellite Launch

It isn't higher gravity they're overcoming with the first stage, but rather the much higher atmospheric pressure near the surface. Gravity in orbit is almost identical to gravity at the surface.

mikeyouse on July 14, 2014 [–]

Pedantic and completely correct. H/T.