Weightlessness

The velocity of a satellite keeps it in orbit Even when moving, the satellite is actually accelerating toward the Earth (this is what keeps it in its circular path) Its acceleration results in a curved path which is the same as the curve of the Earth Gravity is providing the centripetal force

Perception of Weightlessness There is still gravity acting in a satellite (about 8.9 m/s2), so why do we feel weightless? In an free falling elevator, if the FA is equal to the FG, there is no FN No force is felt feel weightless – called apparent weightlessness

Weightlessness that you feel in a satellite is like the weightlessness in an elevator The satellite and everything on it are all accelerating toward the earth at the same rate