How much gravitational force acts on an astronaut in the Space Shuttle in a circular orbit 300 km above Earth's surface?
A) almost zero, but not quite
B) exactly the same as when the astronaut is standing on the surface of Earth
C) zero-the astronaut is weightless
D) almost (but not quite) as much as when the astronaut is standing on the surface of Earth

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force at 300 km above Earth's surface is slightly less than at the surface due to the distance from the center of the Earth, but it is not significantly less. This is why astronauts experience microgravity and appear weightless, even though gravity is still acting on them.

How Much Gravitational Force Acts on an Astronaut in the Space