Why do astronauts no disappear into the distance when they release their hold on their space craft (like the ISS) which is travelling at incredible speeds through space?

Question

There is no air resistance, I get that. And the space craft/ISS is in orbit, I *kind* of get that. But if astronauts still experience acceleration in space, why do they not experience deceleration when they are no longer getting “pulled” by their vehicle?

BONUS QUESTION: at what point does acceleration forces stop? A space ship accelerates in space, all crew are pushed back into their seats, but when does that feeling dissipate if they remain at that new speed?

In: Physics

Answer 1

The ISS uses 8,000 pounds of propellant a year to *maintain* its speed, which is less than a car idling. That small boost is the only thing you lose when you let go of it, so it’ll *eventually* move away from you, but very slowly.