Astronauts orbiting Earth in the space shuttle feel weightless in space because:
A) they are farther away from the Earth
B) they eat less food while in orbit
C) the gravitational pull of the Moon counteracts the Earth's gravitational pull
D) they are in constant free fall around the Earth
E) they are in space where there is no gravity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Astronauts in the space shuttle are constantly falling towards the Earth due to the Earth's gravitational pull, but their forward momentum and velocity keeps them in a perpetual state of free fall. This creates the sensation of weightlessness or zero gravity.

Astronauts Orbiting Earth in the Space Shuttle Feel Weightless in Space