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Even while at rest on the Earth's surface, objects are actually moving due to the Earth's rotation. If a rocket launches East with Earth's rotation, it will get a free boost of extra velocity. At the equator (0 degrees latitude), an object rotates with the Earth at 1,035 miles per hour. As an object is moved closer to the poles, the speed of the spinning decreases. At the Kennedy Space Center (28.5 degrees N latitude) where the space shuttles are launched, objects rotate at about 911 miles per hour. If the space shuttles are launched eastward, they get a free 911 mph boost towards the 17,500 mph required to reach orbit. This means the shuttle can use less fuel and carry more payload. If a space shuttle launched westward, it would need to travel 911 mph faster to fight against the rotation of the Earth.

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Q: Why is a space shuttle always launched in the same direction of earths rotation?
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Have space shuttles always been launched from Florida?

The US Space shuttle have only launched from Florida. Russia had a space shuttle that was launched from there.


What is a space shuttle and how does it differ from other spacecraft?

The major difference between a spacecraft and a space shuttle is that the other spacecrafts can not be reused once the do return to the earth with the astronauts. But the shuttle is launched lime a rocket, flys like a plane and lands like a plane on a runway, it is always reusable.


Is Jupiter rotation pro grade rotation or retrograde rotation?

Simple answer: Venus has "retrograde" rotation.A more complicated answer. Venus rotates in the opposite direction compared with Earth and most other planets in our solar system. The Earth's rotation is "prograde". It rotates in the counterclockwise direction, when viewed from above the North Pole.However it is possible to define the "North Pole" of Venus in two different ways.It can be said that, on one definition, Venus also rotates in the direction that'scounterclockwise as viewed from above its North Pole.Still, nearly always, you will find the rotation referred to as "retrograde", so the simple answer is OK.Anyway, Venus definitely rotates in a direction that's opposite to its direction of orbital revolution.


Should space shuttle be capitalized?

"space shuttle" usually is not capitalized unless you're talking about "The Space Shuttle". Endeavour should always be capitalized because it is the name of the orbiter, and names should always be capitalized.


Should space shuttle endeavor be capitalized?

"space shuttle" usually is not capitalized unless you're talking about "The Space Shuttle". Endeavour should always be capitalized because it is the name of the orbiter, and names should always be capitalized.

Related questions

Have space shuttles always been launched from Florida?

The US Space shuttle have only launched from Florida. Russia had a space shuttle that was launched from there.


What direction will the shuttle come from when it appears in the sky?

forwards It is always traveling around the Earth in the same direction as we are rotating, but much faster. The space shuttle when in space can point in any direction, as there in no up and down. It still keeps moving in the same direction, even with engines facing forward.


Why the rotation of connecting rod in engine cylinder is in a single direction?

The rotation of the push rods have to always rotate in a certain direction. It is relative to the crankshaft. Looking at the front of the typical V8 engine, the crankshaft will move on a clockwise direction. I hope I answered your question.


How does the gear drive differ from the chain drive in regard to direction of rotation of the wheels?

With a chain drive the driven wheel will always rotate in the same direction as the drive wheel, but in a gear drive the direction of rotation will change between drive wheel and driven wheel.


What is a space shuttle and how does it differ from other spacecraft?

The major difference between a spacecraft and a space shuttle is that the other spacecrafts can not be reused once the do return to the earth with the astronauts. But the shuttle is launched lime a rocket, flys like a plane and lands like a plane on a runway, it is always reusable.


Do tornadoes always follow the rotation of the earth?

No. While most tornadoes rotate in a direction that matches earth's (clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern), a small percentage go against this. The origin of the spin in tornadoes is not directly related to earth's rotation. Most tornadoes also move in an easterly direction, but not always.


If it were possible to have a fully fueled space shuttle with its boosters and external tank in Earth orbit how fast could it go if it launched?

the space shuttle always, no matter what, has a maximum speed of 18,000 mph. the shuttle takes 17,500 mph to reach orbit. because of more fuel, it wouldn't go faster, it would just last longer.


Is the crankshaft bolt right or left handed tread?

Assuming by crankshaft bolt you mean the one at the front of the engine which usually retains the front drive-belt pulley: It is always threaded so that it is tightened in the opposite direction to rotation of the engine. Hence loosened by turning in the same direction as the engine's rotation.


Is Jupiter rotation pro grade rotation or retrograde rotation?

Simple answer: Venus has "retrograde" rotation.A more complicated answer. Venus rotates in the opposite direction compared with Earth and most other planets in our solar system. The Earth's rotation is "prograde". It rotates in the counterclockwise direction, when viewed from above the North Pole.However it is possible to define the "North Pole" of Venus in two different ways.It can be said that, on one definition, Venus also rotates in the direction that'scounterclockwise as viewed from above its North Pole.Still, nearly always, you will find the rotation referred to as "retrograde", so the simple answer is OK.Anyway, Venus definitely rotates in a direction that's opposite to its direction of orbital revolution.


Why do you see the same side of the moon every day?

The moon rotates in the same direction as its orbit. The rate of rotation is such that the same face is always pointing at the earth.


Is the direction of rotation same at the south pole?

The absolute direction of rotation is always the same (from East to west). How we describe that direction depends on the frame of reference we use. Conventionally we look from above the North pole and say the Earth rotates anticlockwise (from East to West). If your reference frame was a view above the South Pole then you would say the Earth otated clockwise (from East to West).


Is a rotation a isometry?

Not always