2006-07-12 05:34:59 · 6 answers · asked by Chuck H 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
They are launched in that direction on purpose to get a little extra boost from Earth's rotation.
2006-07-12 05:46:13 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Satellites typically go in the direction that the earth is spinning so that they will stay over the same spot on earth. That's called Geosynchronous Orbit. The satellites for XM and Sirius Radio do this so you can always get reception; once a satellite sets, or moves over the horizon, you don't get signals from it anymore. So the speed and height of the satellite are set very specifically to allow it to sned signals down to one area on earth.
2006-07-12 12:50:21 · answer #2 · answered by n0witrytobeamused 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The direction of satellites circling the earth is entirely dependent on your perspective. If you see a satellite traveling counterclockwise, try facing the opposite direction (turn around) and that same satellite is now traveling clockwise.
Here is a good NASA link describing the various orbits. I think you'll find it a bit more informative.
http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/SCOOL/orbits.html
2006-07-12 13:15:13 · answer #3 · answered by Knight Errant 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Earth rotates on its own axis at about 1000 mph. If you send a rocket in the same direction, you can get it going fast enough to stay in orbit with far less fuel. Otherwise, you would have to use a lot of fuel to slow it down, and then speed it back up the other way.
2006-07-12 12:47:35 · answer #4 · answered by foofoo19472 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I want to add this following to some good answers by others.
There are satellites rotating pole to pole called polar orbit. These orbits helps to scan earth better. So if there is a need we could launch satellites rotating against the earths rotation.
2006-07-12 13:33:27 · answer #5 · answered by Dr M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats the way the other planets and most of the natural satelites move
2006-07-12 12:38:16 · answer #6 · answered by Rajan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋