Approximately how fast does the ISS travel to maintain its orbit around Earth?
Answer
7.66 kilometers per second
The velocity of the International Space Station is critical to keeping it aloft and in orbit at its altitude of 400 kilometers. The station is constantly traveling at an incredible speed of approximately 7.66 kilometers per second, which translates to roughly 17,150 miles per hour. This immense horizontal speed creates the necessary centrifugal effect that counteracts the continuous pull of Earth's gravity. If the station were moving significantly slower at that altitude, gravity would overcome momentum, causing the structure to descend rapidly through the atmosphere.
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