2006-07-06 21:42:48 · 5 answers · asked by aliciamay71 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
If it were orbiting the Earth, and it didn't have any fuel (or didn't use it's engines) it'd slowly fall closer to the earth. Because of the very slight friction up there (in low orbit like the Space Shuttle).
If it were orbiting too far away, if it had fuel it could burn that to slow down, which would bring it closer again. TV satellites are orbiting 20,000+ miles up and don't 'float away' much.
2006-07-06 22:52:38 · answer #1 · answered by Luis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An orbiting spaceship cannot just float away. Don't let the fact that it is always moving fool you into thinking it isn't firmly fixed in orbit. The interplay between gravity and the velocity of the orbiting spaceship keeps it moving in a well defined orbit that is just as stable and hard to change as if the spaceship were sitting on solid ground. It is not at all like a ship drifting on the open water.
2006-07-07 02:45:19 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an object cannot just "float" out of orbit, a pressure must be exerted on to it for it to move. Almost all objects in orbit slowly loose altitute and burn up in the atmosphere. Anways a space craft had enough power to leave orbit it would continue to travel in a strait line at which it left unless effected by the gravity of another celestial body.
2006-07-06 22:25:54 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A spaceship would not just float away. If it didn't have fuel or didn't use it it would probably fall to Earth in 70-100 years.
2006-07-07 04:21:59 · answer #4 · answered by Eric X 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
~It wouldn't be in orbit anymore. If it floated close enough toward a planet or other celestial body, it wouldn't be a spaceship anymore.
2006-07-06 21:48:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋