Gravity in Space

Have you ever seen astronauts floating in space? This happens because of something called microgravity. It is not that gravity is gone. It is that they are falling around Earth very fast. This makes everything feel weightless.

Why Things Float

A spaceship in orbit is always falling toward Earth. But it moves sideways so fast that it keeps missing the ground. This is called free fall. Inside, people and objects fall at the same speed. That is why they look like they are floating.

A simple drawing showing how gravity pulls a spring down as it falls.
A simple drawing showing how gravity pulls a spring down as it falls. (Shanker Pur This diagram was created with Microsoft Word. / Wikimedia Commons)

Life Without Weight

Living in microgravity is tricky and fun. Astronauts must strap themselves down to sleep. They drink from special pouches so water does not fly away. Their muscles and bones get weaker, so they exercise every day.

Fun Facts

  • Astronauts can grow up to two inches taller in space.
  • Tears do not fall in space, they stick to your eyes.
  • Tools float away if you do not tie them down.

Did You Know?

The space station is actually falling toward Earth all the time. It just keeps missing because it moves so fast.