> To achieve such an orbit, a spacecraft is launched in an eastward direction from a site near the Earth's equator. "
Tell me: why east?
> This is what the shuttle must do, launch in a direction other than due east, *changing* it's natural orbital inclination.
With a non-rotating Earth, there is no such "natural orbital inclination." If the Earth did not rotate, it could launch straight north from KSC and be in a polar orbit just as easily as it could launch east, south or west.
> High inclination orbits are less able to take advantage of the initial speed provided by the Earth's rotation, thus the launch vehicle must provide a greater part, or all, of the energy required to attain orbital velocity."
One wonders if you read what you post.
Again, *relative* rotation. You keep assuming that there is some essential difference and there is not. Ernst Mach proved that back in the 1800's. Your assumption that you could launch stright north and be in a polar orbit is simply not true.
The issue is *relative* rotation. I can understand why you refuse to admit that, however. You have no poit if you do.