Why are satellites launched into a easterly direction?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

Satellites are launched into an easterly direction due to the Earth's rotation. Launching in the direction of Earth's rotation allows the satellite to gain extra velocity, making it more energy-efficient and cost-effective to reach orbit. Additionally, launching eastward enables the satellite to take advantage of the Earth's rotational speed for orbital insertion.

Answer 3

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.