Although somewhat complicated, this paradox helps to accomplish rendezvous. For example, when the two spacecraft are on opposite sides of Earth from each other, having one spacecraft in a lower orbit will enable it to close the distance. In the lower orbit, the spacecraft will not only travel faster than the higher spacecraft, but the orbit has a smaller circumference as well. After closing the distance, the lower spacecraft can begin maneuvers to adjust to the right altitude for the rendezvous. How long to fire rocket engines, when to do it, and in what directions is determined with mathematics.
Degrees longitude orbital ground track shifts eastward with each orbit.
Number of orbits so that Mir flies over Moscow. Longitude Distance Time for Mir's orbit to cross Moscow. Mir's orbital speed. Mir travels during one orbit. Mir's orbital speed.