Astronauts orbiting Earth in a spacecraft feel weightless in space because:
A) they are farther away from Earth.
B) they eat less food while in orbit.
C) the added gravitational pull of the Moon balances Earth's gravitational pull.
D) they are in constant free fall around Earth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Astronauts in a spacecraft feel weightless in space because they are in constant free fall around Earth. While they are being pulled towards Earth by its gravity, they are also moving forward at a high speed, which allows them to continually "miss" the surface of the planet and remain in orbit. This creates the sensation of weightlessness, as they are effectively falling towards Earth at the same rate that the spacecraft is moving forward.

Astronauts Orbiting Earth in a Spacecraft Feel Weightless in Space