Space Part 1 -- Why does NASA launch spacecraft toward the East?

[Ignis Radiis]

Homework Statement

Okay...So why does NASA launch in the east. Is there an advantage in east from west?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[DaveC426913]

Since this is your homework, what do you think?

 

[Ignis Radiis]

I think its because that is the way the Earth rotates to, maybe to save fuel?

 

[DaveC426913]

Go on...

 

[phinds]

As Dave said, follow this train of thought. HOW does it save fuel?

 

[Ignis Radiis]

Because, the shuttle or whatever will be heading int the east to west direction making it easier to get to the locations faster?

 

[UncertaintyAjay]

What is the shuttles destination though? Not other places on earth. So...

 

[Ignis Radiis]

no, I meant like, when they launch satellites or rovers onto other planets, they usually launch it east.

 

[haruspex]

no, I meant like, when they launch satellites or rovers onto other planets, they usually launch it east.

As you suggested in post #3, it's to do with the way the Earth rotates.
When launching an object into space, what is the main challenge?
If you are on a train going at 90kph and throw a stone forwards at 30kph relative to you, how fast is the stone going?

 

[Ignis Radiis]

As you suggested in post #3, it's to do with the way the Earth rotates.
When launching an object into space, what is the main challenge?
If you are on a train going at 90kph and throw a stone forwards at 30kph relative to you, how fast is the stone going?

Thanks! I get it now...

 

[DaveC426913]

no, I meant like, when they launch satellites or rovers onto other planets, they usually launch it east.

Yes. But before they head off into the outer solar system, where do they go? Where do ALL vessels launched from Earth go first?

 

[Ignis Radiis]

Yes. But before they head off into the outer solar system, where do they go? Where do ALL vessels launched from Earth go first?

Tooooo the atmosphere?

 

[DaveC426913]

Tooooo the atmosphere?

To orbit.

 

[Ignis Radiis]

To orbit.

right...

 

[DaveC426913]

right...

And what do you need a lot of in order to stay in orbit?

 

[Ignis Radiis]

And what do you need a lot of in order to stay in orbit?

Gravity?

 

[DaveC426913]

Gravity?

Wouldn't gravity would do the opposite of keeping them in orbit?

What keeps them up there despite gravity?

 

[Ignis Radiis]

Wouldn't gravity would do the opposite of keeping them in orbit?

What keeps them up there despite gravity?

Their free fall?

 

[DaveC426913]

Their free fall?

What is free fall? What is counteracting gravity?

Look at haruspex' post #9 for a hint.

 

[Ignis Radiis]

What is free fall? What is counteracting gravity?

Look at haruspex' post #9 for a hint.

I'm lost...

 

[Ignis Radiis]

What is free fall? What is counteracting gravity?

Look at haruspex' post #9 for a hint.

Momentum? Specifically Angular Momentum?

 

[DaveC426913]

Momentum? Specifically Angular Momentum?

Simply: speed. You need to be going several miles per second to stay in orbit.

So, if the Earth (and thus your spaceship on its launchpad) is already turning at a thousand mph...