Orbits 'R' Us!
Orbits 'R' Us! The speed of the Earth's rotation from west to east at the equator is 1675 km/h (1041 mph). The satellite receives a significant boost if it is launched in the same direction as Earth's rotation. It cannot benefit from this boost whether it is launched in the north or south. It also consumes a lot of fuel for the spacecraft's engines to alter the inclination, or tilt, of the satellite's orbit if it is launched toward the east. An orbit around the poles is highly inclined. The function of the satellite will determine which orbit is best. suspension of disbelief For instance, the two GOES* weather satellites are tasked with monitoring the weather across North America. Any developing situation, such as tropical storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean or storm fronts moving across the Pacific Ocean toward the west coast of the United States, must be "never taken their eyes off." They are, therefore "parked" in an orbit know