Why do astronauts feel weightless when in orbit around Earth?
A) There is no gravity at the location of their orbit.
B) Gravity is very weak at the location of their orbit.
C) They are falling around Earth at the same rate as the spaceship.
D) There is no air pressure in space.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Astronauts feel weightless in orbit because they are in a state of continuous free fall towards Earth, but their forward motion is sufficient to keep them orbiting instead of crashing into the planet. This creates the sensation of weightlessness, as both they and the spacecraft are falling at the same rate under the influence of Earth's gravity.

Why Do Astronauts Feel Weightless When in Orbit Around Earth