What does the rotor spin speed affect in a gyroscope?

The spin speed of a rotor in a gyroscope significantly impacts its performance and rigidity. When a rotor spins, it generates angular momentum, which contributes to the gyroscope's stability. A higher rotor spin speed increases the rigidity of the gyroscope, giving it a more pronounced resistance to changes in its orientation. This effect, known as gyroscopic stability, is crucial in applications such as navigation and guidance systems, where maintaining direction and stability is essential.

In contrast, the other options, while related to the broader operation of gyroscopes or mechanical systems, do not directly correlate with the consequences of rotor spin speed. For instance, altitude stabilization pertains more to the altitude control mechanisms rather than the gyroscopic properties themselves. Friction levels and gas pressure can affect the functioning of the gyroscope but are not influenced by the rotor's spin speed in the same way that performance and rigidity are. This focus on how spin speed specifically influences gyroscopic behavior underlines why this choice is the most accurate regarding the question.