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every 92. mins.

92 mins is the time it takes to complete one full orbit. The Orbital speed is calculated using the ISS's centripetal acceleration. The ISS orbits earth at approx. 400 km about the surface of the earth. at a radius of approx. 6.771x10^6 meters. The force the ISS experiences at that altitude is approx. 8.69 m/s^2 (a=GM/r^2), about 12% less force than 9.8m/s^2 experienced on the earths surface. Not too much difference; the only thing keeping it from falling is it's horizontal or orbit velocity. At 8.69 m/s^2, and if a=v^2/r (its centripetal acceleration, orbit velocity, and radius of orbit), The ISS's orbit velocity is 7670.7 m/s or 7.67 km/s. That is ridiculously fast; approximately Mach 17.3!!! - but it is essentially in a vacuum so you couldn't hear the sonic boom.

Once a shuttle boost's enough to gain that speed to dock, it has to enter and smash into the earths atmosphere at that speed, relying on air friction to slow it down.

The reason the ISS is a 'zero gravity' environment, is because it is constantly in a 'free fall' state, accelerating to the earths center at 8.69 m/s^2.

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Hermann Hilpert

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Q: How does the ISS orbit the earth?
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Related questions

What is iss?

ISS is an internationally developed research facility, which is being assembled in low Earth orbit.


How many miles high is orbit of ISS?

The orbit of the International Space Station (ISS) is approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) above Earth's surface.


What is the ISS orbit?

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits Earth at an average altitude of about 420 kilometers (260 miles) and travels at a speed of approximately 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). It completes an orbit around Earth roughly every 90 minutes.


Why doesn't the ISS travel in a straight line away from the Earth?

Earth's gravitational attraction keeps changing the direction of its movement continuously. This keeps orbits near Earth - such as the ISS - in an elliptical orbit.


What altitude does the ISS orbit the earth?

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits the Earth at an average altitude of around 420 kilometers (260 miles) above the Earth's surface.


What propells the iss?

The International Space Station (ISS) stays in orbit and moves because of its initial velocity from its launch into space and the lack of significant air resistance in space. It continues to orbit Earth due to the balance between its forward momentum and the gravitational pull of the Earth. Additionally, occasional rocket burns are used to adjust the ISS's orbit and altitude as necessary.


How does a space shuttle escape the earth orbit?

The shuttle never leaves Earth orbit, it simply goes into orbit and then returns. Moving to a higher orbit requires additional speed and manuevering, as when visiting the ISS.


Does the ISS orbit the Moon?

No, the International Space Station orbits around the Earth, not the Moon. The Moon is located about 384,400 km away from Earth, while the ISS orbits Earth at an average altitude of 420 km.


Why is the International Space Station in Low Earth Orbit?

The International Space Station (ISS) is in Low Earth Orbit because it allows for easier access for resupply missions and crew transportation. Additionally, being in a lower orbit decreases exposure to harmful radiation and reduces the amount of fuel needed to maintain its position.


Where did Columbia orbit in space?

The spaceshuttle Columbia was orbiting the earth in a low earth orbit. Because its mission was not to the International Space Station (Columbia never went to the ISS on a docking mission) it was lower than most, which would have excluded a rescue scenario involving the ISS. Columbia did not have sufficient fuel to boost to the height of the ISS.


How far above the earth does the spacestation orbit?

The ISS orbits at an altitude of 400 km (250 miles) above Earth.


Why is the ISS orbit set at 220 miles above the earth?

The ISS orbit is set at around 220 miles above Earth to balance the need for accessibility to astronauts and equipment with the challenges of surviving in low Earth orbit, such as exposure to radiation and orbital debris. This altitude allows for easier resupply missions, communication with mission control, and proximity to Earth for crew safety in case of emergency.