answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Most satellites are launched to the east to utilize the earth's rotation as an extra propelling force. The earth is rotating in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from the North Pole (from west to east), and when we launch our satellites east we take advantage of this momentum (angular momentum) from the earth's rotation. In effect, a rocket sitting still on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral is ALREADY GOING EAST, at about 800 miles per hour!

On the other hand, if we launch them westward, the satellites will have to fight against the angular momentum of the earth's rotation, which means more power is needed to break through the earth's atmosphere. As many of us might not have noticed, we are moving at a breathtaking speed just by standing still (about 1000miles/hour at the equator, and decreasing with increasing latitude) when viewed from outer space. Launching our satellites eastward will harvest this power and save on fuel cost, and in space shuttle terms, that's a lot of money!

However, not ALL satellites are launched to the east; some are launched to the south. Some relatively small percentage of satellites are launched into polar orbits so that they orbit the Earth from south to north, and then north to south. The Earth spins west to east, so that the effective ground path of the satellite is covers the Earth like a ball of twine. American satellites launched into polar orbits are often launched from Vandenberg AFB in California, where a launch to the south keeps the rocket over water for several thousand miles.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

This is due to the rotation (or spin) of the Earth, which is counter-clockwise when viewed from the North Star, Polaris. As such, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why are satellites launched into a easterly direction?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Are satellites launched in One Direction?

no.


Why satellites launched in east side?

Satellites are launched in east direction to use earths rotational velocity and to reduce launch energy.


What satellites launched in 1957 alarmed the US into speeding up plans for its space program?

The Sputnik satellites were the first sucessful satellites, launched by the Soviets in the 50's.


What layer do the satellites are launched?

ionosphere


How many satellites does India have launched?

200


How do artificial satellites get in orbit?

They are launched by rockets.


How many Vanguard satellites were launched?

45


Were any satellites launched from woomera?

Yes


What direction is Moscow from Warsaw?

Moscow to Warsaw 714 miles in a North Easterly direction


In which direction does the Volga river generally flow?

In a south easterly direction to the Caspian Sea


Did England ever launch a satellite?

Yes, England (UK) has launched satellites. Recently the have launched military space communications satellites named Skynet


What has happened to the satellites after 1957?

More satellites have been launched for different use of technology