For objects in orbit of Earth, does the force of gravity vary depending on where the object is in its orbit? Would astronauts be slightly taller at one point of an orbit than at another point (assuming they’re ‘standing’ with feet towards Earth)?

Question

For objects in orbit of Earth, does the force of gravity vary depending on where the object is in its orbit? Would astronauts be slightly taller at one point of an orbit than at another point (assuming they’re ‘standing’ with feet towards Earth)?

In: Physics

Answer 1

The force of gravity does vary at different points in the orbit. However, things in orbit are in free fall, falling together. Nothing is pulling or pushing your feet differently than your head, and this is true no matter where you are in the orbit.

Astronauts do find that their spine lengthens somewhat during free fall, so they are slightly taller than they are on the ground. But the height doesn’t go up and down at different points in orbit.