The correct answer is A. Eastward.
The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours. This means that the Earth’s surface is moving at a speed of about 1670 kilometers per hour at the equator. If a satellite is launched from the equator eastward, it will be moving in the same direction as the Earth’s rotation. This will add to the satellite’s velocity, increasing its speed. If the satellite is launched from the equator westward, it will be moving in the opposite direction of the Earth’s rotation. This will subtract from the satellite’s velocity, decreasing its speed.
The options B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not take into account the Earth’s rotation. If a satellite is launched northward or southward, its velocity will not be affected by the Earth’s rotation.