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Orbiting spacecraft appear weightless because they are in free fall towards Earth while simultaneously moving forward at a high velocity. This state of free fall creates a condition known as microgravity, where both the spacecraft and its occupants are falling together at the same rate, resulting in the sensation of weightlessness. Essentially, they are continuously falling around the Earth rather than straight down, creating the illusion of floating.

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Why does astronauts appear weightless in their earth orbiting space craft?

Astronauts appear weightless in their Earth-orbiting spacecraft because both the spacecraft and the astronauts are in a state of free fall towards Earth. While the spacecraft is moving forward at a high velocity, it is also falling towards the planet due to gravity. This continuous free fall creates a condition known as microgravity, where the effects of gravity are still present but are not felt by the astronauts, making them seem weightless relative to their surroundings.


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.


Which explains why astronauts seem weightless in orbit?

Astronauts seem weightless in orbit because they are in a state of free fall, along with their spacecraft. As the spacecraft moves forward at high speed, it simultaneously falls toward Earth due to gravity. However, because it's also moving horizontally, it keeps missing Earth, creating a continuous free-fall loop. This condition results in a sensation of weightlessness for the astronauts inside.


Why do astronauts appear weightless and space?

Astronauts appear weightless in space because they are in a state of free fall, orbiting the Earth along with their spacecraft. This creates a condition known as microgravity, where both the astronauts and the spacecraft are falling towards Earth at the same rate, resulting in the sensation of weightlessness. Although gravity is still present, the lack of a solid surface to push against leads to this floating experience.


The statement that astronauts on the Moon are weightless is?

The statement that astronauts on the Moon are weightless is true.

Related Questions

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

Free fall


Does mercury have any satellites or robot?

it has neither. also there are no man made orbiting spacecrafts.


Why does astronauts appear weightless in their earth orbiting space craft?

Astronauts appear weightless in their Earth-orbiting spacecraft because both the spacecraft and the astronauts are in a state of free fall towards Earth. While the spacecraft is moving forward at a high velocity, it is also falling towards the planet due to gravity. This continuous free fall creates a condition known as microgravity, where the effects of gravity are still present but are not felt by the astronauts, making them seem weightless relative to their surroundings.


Would a person orbiting earth in a spaceship feel lighter?

Yes. In fact they would feel 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.


Why do you not feel weightless if flying in a large airplane at a high altitute but if you were in an orbiting spacecraft you would constantly feel weightless?

In an airplane, you are still affected by Earth's gravity as the plane is flying against the pull of gravity, creating lift and keeping you pressed down towards the floor. In an orbiting spacecraft, you are in free fall around Earth, so you and the spacecraft are falling towards Earth at the same rate hence you experience weightlessness.


Why an object becomes weightless in outer spaceaway from any planet or star?

Gravitational forces are much reduced by distance. Also, they would be fairly well balanced in all directions. However, there would probably still be some detectable gravitational force. The other definition of "weightless" is when an object is still in a gravitational field, but in "free fall". That's why astronauts orbiting Earth are "weightless".


What is a situation in which an object is weightless?

An object is weightless when it is in free fall, such as when an astronaut is orbiting the Earth in the International Space Station. In this situation, the object is technically still affected by gravity but experiences a sensation of weightlessness because it is falling at the same rate as its surroundings.


What are the four us spacecrafts that have been sent to mercury?

You seem to be misinformed. The first US spacecraft was Mariner 10. This was followed by Messenger. There have not been others.


When did they discover spacecrafts on Venus?

Although several spacecrafts have been sent to Venus, no alien spacecrafts have been discovered on its surface.


Is cotton wool weightless?

No. It is light -- not heavy, but it is not weightless.


What is weightless but you can see it and?

A shadow is something that is weightless but can be seen.