Space, GPS & MapsSpaceflight
Why Rockets Launch East
Earth's spin gives every rocket a free push
Most rockets climb away from the pad toward the east. What does the planet itself have to do with that choice?
You'll find out
- How fast the ground under you moves
- Why fuel grows faster than speed
- Who launches west, and what it costs
Why it matters
The satellites your phone uses got a free push from Earth's spin, and that push helps decide where spaceports are built.
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