Why is Earth’s gravity strong enough to keep the Moon in orbit but not strong enough to prevent astronauts in space from floating?

Question

Why is Earth’s gravity strong enough to keep the Moon in orbit but not strong enough to prevent astronauts in space from floating?

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Answer 1

The astronauts in space ARE in orbit, they’re only floating stationary relative to their station/ship because it’s in the same orbit they are.

If you had two skydivers at the same speed and altitude and took away the air, they would look like they were floating relative to each other, because they’re both feeling the same acceleration from gravity.

Gravity in low earth orbit is almost as strong as it is at sea level, you’re just moving fast enough sideways that by the time you fall back down you miss the planet.