Ask an Explainer

Satellites and other spacecraft can orbit with the rotation of the Earth, in the opposite direction of Earth's rotation, or in any other direction! Usually satellites orbit in the direction of Earth's rotation, but there are some satellites that travel in the opposite direction. Certain satellites, such as specific weather satellites, even manage to "hover" above one specific area on Earth's surface by rotating over the equator and orbiting once a day. A satellites orbit is mainly based on its particular job.  You can learn more about the history of satellites and the different types on NASA's website by clicking here!