Artificial Satellites in Retrograde Orbit

Artificial Satellites In Retrograde Orbit

Artificial satellites are rarely placed in retrograde orbit. This is partly due to the extra velocity (and fuel) required to go against the direction of the rotation of the Earth.

Most commercial earth observing satellites use retrograde orbit, and almost all communication satellites use prograde orbits.

Read more about Artificial Satellites In Retrograde Orbit:  Examples, Space Warfare and Accidents

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