i just curious cuz how is it supposed to stick lol xD
2007-09-17 08:26:29 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Actually, the space station and rocket (attached with retractable clips and clamps) ARE continuously falling back toward the earth. However, the station's horizontal velocity is such that the station just as continuously misses the earth's surface and must "fall" in a slightly different direction. As a result of this combination of horizontal movement and free fall, the station stays in a stable circular or elliptical path above the earth known as an orbit.
2007-09-17 08:53:35 · answer #1 · answered by devilsadvocate1728 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A rocket or any other body in orbit about the earth doesn't fall because the orbital centripital force balances the pull of gravity from the earth. So the rocket can't fall but it can't fly away either.
The rocket doesn't stick to the space station - there are mechnical couplings that hold it to the space station.
2007-09-17 15:35:34 · answer #2 · answered by nyphdinmd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is because the rocket is orbiting the Earth just like the Space Station. I think they use a pressure seal to make the rocket stick but i am not sure.
2007-09-17 15:33:19 · answer #3 · answered by Monkey Man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eh............they hook up? Orbit the Earth. Like?
Or maybe the Astronauts just use superglue?
2007-09-17 15:31:28 · answer #4 · answered by 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋