What forces affect an astronaut?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the forces affecting astronauts in space, specifically highlighting gravity and centrifugal/centripetal forces. It emphasizes the distinction between real forces and fictitious forces that arise in accelerated frames of reference, such as an astronaut in a space station orbiting Earth. The conversation also touches on the perception of motion from different frames of reference, illustrating how an astronaut appears to circle the Earth multiple times daily while seemingly hovering inside the station.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with concepts of gravity and centrifugal/centripetal forces
  • Knowledge of frames of reference in physics
  • Basic principles of orbital mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of microgravity on human physiology
  • Explore the concept of fictitious forces in non-inertial frames
  • Study orbital mechanics and satellite motion
  • Learn about the design and function of the International Space Station (ISS)
USEFUL FOR

Astronauts, aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in the dynamics of space travel and the forces acting on objects in orbit.

davomil999
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Homework Statement
What forces affect a freely floating astronaut on the ISS. a)in the frame of reference of the station b) from the point of view of a person on earth. Justify your answers.
Relevant Equations
no equations needed as far as i know, if any then maybe F = G * ((m1*m2)/r^2)
Well the first one that comes to mind is gravity and maybe centrifugal/centripetal force. I imagine that forces such as drag shouldn't even be considered. I find it difficult to imagine which belong to which frame of reference.
 
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davomil999 said:
I find it difficult to imagine which belong to which frame of reference.
Some "forces" (so-called "fictitious forces") only appear when analyzing things from an accelerated frame.
 
a) In the frame of reference of the station -- which is in orbit around the Earth, if the astronaut is hovering in the middle of a cabin without hitting anything, how is that happening?
b) From the point of view of a person on earth, the astronaut circles the Earth several times a day. How is that happening?

Take a shot at them. We will be gentle.
 

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