The moon is 400 times smaller and 400 times closer than the sun. So it appears that is the same size and covers the sun so well. This is purely an astronomical coincidence!
The Sun and Stars rise in the East, this means the Earth spins on it's axis about 4000 MPH in that direction. Launching Eastward would add this velocity to the vehical and in turn would assist escape velocity and save fuel and it's added weight!
The moon is 400 times smaller and 400 times closer than the sun. So it appears that is the same size and covers the sun so well. This is purely an astronomical coincidence!