- View more resources from this publisher
Veritasium
Tooltip
These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
Is there gravity in space?
This video explains why astronauts float. The common misconception is that there is no gravity in space, yet the astronaut is in the Earth’s gravitational field. Rather, the astronaut is falling towards the Earth (as is the spacecraft). However, their horizontal speed is 28,000km/hr. This and the curvature of the Earth ensures that they do not get closer to the Earth’s surface. Because the spacecraft is also falling at the same rate (accelerating) as the astronaut, the astronaut appears to be weightless and floats.
Show health and safety information
Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
Information on the permitted use of this resource is covered by the Category Three Content section in STEM Learning’s Terms and conditions.
