Astronauts orbiting Earth in the space shuttle experience so-called weightlessness in space because
A) they are farther away from Earth.
B) of centrifugal force.
C) the gravitational pull of the Moon counteracts Earth's gravitational pull.
D) they are in constant free fall around Earth.
E) they are in space where there is no gravity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Astronauts experience weightlessness because they are in a state of continuous free fall towards Earth, but their forward motion keeps them in orbit, creating the sensation of weightlessness.

Astronauts Orbiting Earth in the Space Shuttle Experience So-Called Weightlessness