A space shuttle is in a circular orbit at an altitude of 256 mi. Calculate the absolute value of g at this altitude and determine the corresponding weight of a shuttle passenger who weighs 156 lb when standing on the surface of the earth at a latitude of 45°. Are the terms "zero-g" and "weightless," which are sometimes used to describe conditions aboard orbiting spacecraft, correct in the absolute sense? Answers: ft/sec² lb

A space shuttle is in a circular orbit at an altitude of 256 mi. Calculate the absolute value of g at this altitude and determine the corresponding weight of a shuttle passenger who weighs 156 lb when standing on the surface of the earth at a latitude of 45°. Are the terms "zero-g" and "weightless," which are sometimes used to describe conditions aboard orbiting spacecraft, correct in the absolute sense? Answers: ft/sec² lb