Difference between follow (x) and picket (x)

[Xyphos (OP)]

Hello, i am wondering what is the difference between follow x (ie. Earth) and picket (Speed 1km/s).

And is there a difference for the ship when you just move to the Earth (then orbiting around it) and the order follow Earth ?

[Andrew]

Following a planet is not a normal thing to do. Just move to the planet and then your ship moves with it.
Follow is meant for following other ships so you move with them, wether hostile or freindly and can set a distance you will try and stay at.
Picket sets your ship moving at speed 1 and is meant to keep your signature low when in space, I believe it makes little difference when orbiting a planet but I never use it so don't know for certain if there is any point

[Ghostly]

As far as I know, Picket order is a relic from the VB6 days where ships would emit their full thermal signature while stationary, so using it was necessary for concealment. Not much reason to use it now.

[Garfunkel]

Yes, that is correct.