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The astronauts appear to be weightless as they are in a constant freefall, falling at the same speed as the space vehicle they are on. They are 'falling' but due to their angular speed, they are 'falling' around the earth, so don't crash into it. They still have their mass, but you can't really weigh the astronauts as any scales you try to use will read zero as the scales will also be 'falling' at the same rate.

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Q: Are astronaunts in orbit around earth really weightless?
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Why are astronauts floating above the Earth in a Space Shuttle really no weightless?

Weight is an expression of the gravitational force acting on an object. When the space shuttle is in orbit around the Earth, it is held there by the Earth's gravity. Since gravity is still acting on the shuttle and the astronauts inside, they still have weight. They are described as "weightless" because an object in orbit is in a constant state of free fall.


How much you weigh at the center of the earth?

Theoretically it would be weightless at the centre point of the earth.


Do you weigh less on earth than in a space ship orbiting 800 kilometers above earth?

No - more on Earth - in orbit you're weightless.


Astronaunts in orbit are not truly weightless True or false?

True; they are not "weightless". Every object has mass, and mass generates gravity. So a person (who has mass) near the Earth (which has mass) will have a weight that is dependent on the sum of the masses divided by the square of the distance between them. So astronauts in orbit are being affected by the gravity of the Earth, which is close, and by the Sun, which is farther away but is far more massive. To some tiny extent, all of us are also affected by the gravities of the Moon and other planets such as Venus, Mars and Jupiter, and even by the other stars - and other galaxies. But those are so far away that the effect is entirely negligible. So why don't the astronauts FEEL the affects of gravity? Because they, and the ISS, are in "free fall"; they are falling toward the Earth. But because they are moving a bit over 18,000 miles per hour, the ISS and the astronauts keep MISSING the Earth! It's a delicate balance - falling AROUND the Earth, without ever hitting it.


What are Benefits of being a astronaut?

You get to experience living in space, floating around in a weightless environment, and viewing the earth from a third party perspective. Astronauts are viewed as the elite, and are often highly respected.

Related questions

What do astronaunts eat?

astronaunts didnt eat if they were hungry they would come back down to earth and eat mcdonalds yum


Why can you be weightless?

not on earth but it can be simulated underwater, in aircraft, you can be weightless in outer space


Are astronauts really weightless in orbit why not?

because both the astronaut and the satellite is attracted towards the center of the earth


Why are astronauts floating above the Earth in a Space Shuttle really no weightless?

Weight is an expression of the gravitational force acting on an object. When the space shuttle is in orbit around the Earth, it is held there by the Earth's gravity. Since gravity is still acting on the shuttle and the astronauts inside, they still have weight. They are described as "weightless" because an object in orbit is in a constant state of free fall.


What is a sentence for weightlessness?

The weightless astronaut landed on Mars, which has no gravity.


How much you weigh at the center of the earth?

Theoretically it would be weightless at the centre point of the earth.


Can people be weightless if so how and where?

People are weightless if in zero gravity in outer space. On earth, weightlessness can be simulated for training in a rapidly descending aeroplane.


Why do astronauts appear to be weightless in a spacecraft orbiting earth?

Free fall


Why are astronants weightless in space?

The astronaut, space ship and everything in it are all falling at the same speed (falling around the Earth is called ORBIT). If everything is falling at the same speed, they are effectively weightless. Its like falling in an elevator, if everything is falling at the same speed you will appear to be floating around the elevator. Until it reaches the basement.


Why does a body lose weight at the centre of the earth?

In the center of the Earth gravity is equal at every side causing you to be "weightless".


Do you weigh less on earth than in a space ship orbiting 800 kilometers above earth?

No - more on Earth - in orbit you're weightless.


What is the effect of weightless people on earth?

It affects them by doin stuff because everything they do is in the air