Question

MULTIPLE CHOICE.
How does the gravitational force between the Earth and the space shuttle on the ground compare with the gravitational force between the Earth and the space shuttle in orbit?

A. The force is greater when the shuttle is on the ground
B. The force is greater when the shuttle is in orbit
C. The force is always the same
D. There is no gravitational force in space

Answer 1

When the space shuttle was still in service it operated in orbits with different altitudes. The force of gravity between the Earth and the orbiting shuttle would have been between 85% and 90% of its value on the surface.