Which of the following is the most reasonable explanation of why astronauts floa

Question

Which of the following is the most reasonable explanation of why astronauts float (i.e., are apparently weightless) inside a space shuttle in a circular orbit around the Earth? Satellite orbits are hundreds of kilometers above the Earthis surface; therefore, the Earthis gravitational force on the astronauts is nearly zero. The space shuttle is moving forward (or tangent to the circular path) so fast that the apparent weight is zero, just as it would be in a moving elevator. Because they are so high above the Earthis surface, the Moon and Sun, when in orbit, exert a large force of gravity on the astronauts and cancel the Earthis gravity on the astronauts, making them truly weightless. The space shuttle is pulled toward the Earth and accelerates downward at a rate equal to the acceleration of gravity, therefore causing an apparent weight of zero.

Explanation / Answer

2nd option

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