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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.
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ViviSatellites 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.
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Where can you find a list of satellites launched by russia?
You can find a list of satellites launched by Russia on websites such as n2yo.com or celestrak.com. These websites provide real-time tracking information for satellites in orbit, including those launched by Russia.
Does North Korea have 2 satellites in orbit around the earth?
Yes, North Korea has launched two satellites into orbit around the Earth. The Kwangmyongsong-3 Unit 2 satellite was launched in 2012, and the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite was launched in 2016. Both satellites have been criticized by the international community for potentially violating UN sanctions on North Korea's missile technology development.
Do all satellites orbit the same direction?
No, not all satellites orbit in the same direction. Most satellites orbit the Earth in the same direction as the Earth's rotation, which is counterclockwise when viewed from above the North Pole. However, some satellites have orbits that are polar, meaning they orbit in a north-south direction relative to the Earth's rotation.
How many Indian gps satellites are there in space?
India has launched 9 navigation satellites under its Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). These satellites provide positioning information over India and the surrounding region.
Were there satellites in 1930?
No, the first man-made satellite was launched in 1957 by the then Soviet Union: The Sputnik-1 satellite.Natural satellites of courses existed since the creation of our solar system. For example, our moon can also be called a satellite of earth, but you are probably asking about man-made satellites?
