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It is always falling, just like every other object in orbit. However, it is also moving away at the same rate as it falls, so it stays in one palce. Currently, the operators use small jets to move and keep it in position, but if and when it becomes unused, it would be allowed to fall in a controlled manner, just as Mir did in the early 2000s.

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The above is almost correct

The space station IS falling but it is also moving very fast FORWARD. Thus as it falls (in a CURVE like a ball thrown from one person to another) the curvature of the Earth moves away from it - this is called being in orbit.

Thus if one wanted to bring the space station down one would need to slow its forward speed such that the curve of its decent intersected the earths surface.

The maneuvering jets are used to keep the stations speed up because although it is in space there is still some atmosphere up where it orbits and this does tend to slow it down over time.

Also the space station does not stay in one place as stated above, you can see its forward movement across the sky at night when conditions are favorable.

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Seriously?? NO. <---period

The ISS has a number of station keeping manuevers that allow it to remain in orbit. If it was not for this, regardless of the velocity, the system would be able to crash into earth. It wouldn't take long either. A ball being thrown on Earth can not be used as an analogy of a satellite orbiting Earth in space....

Yes it is moving fast, orbiting Earth about 16 times a day, but because of atmospheric drag the station falls and has to be put back into its ideal altitude many times a year. So yes, it can easily crash but this is also easily fixed.

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13y ago
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Q: Can the international space station fall?
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