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Summary
The force of gravity for an object 100 miles above the Earth
is only 5 percent less than it would be on the Earth's
surface, so zero gravity can't be the reason that astronauts
float when orbiting the Earth.
It is true that, when you are in a free fall, you feel as
though you are weightless.
It is also true that in certain situations, if you move out
far enough, you can extend the length of your free fall.
An object in orbit around the Earth is always falling toward
the Earth. The reason it is in orbit is that for every foot it
drops, the Earth's surface, due to its curvature, also drops a
foot.
So, once an object is in orbit, it's in a never-ending free
fall. And that free-falling object feels as though it's
weightless.
Back to Intro
Blueprint for a Space Station
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Astronauts in Hard Hats
Inspired by Science Fiction
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Free-Falling
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