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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-station-gravity-90-percent

At the space station's height, Earth's gravity is about how strong compared to the ground?

About 90 percent as strong as on Earth's surface.

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  1. About 10 percent
  2. About 90 percent ✔
  3. Zero percent

Why: The station orbits only about 200 to 250 miles up. Gravity there is still about 90 percent of what you feel on the ground. A 100 pound person on a giant ladder would weigh about 90 pounds at the top.

Huh, didn't know that: Astronauts can push equipment weighing hundreds of pounds with their fingertips because it falls right along with them.

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I tried to lose weight by moving to space. Turns out I just lost my lunch tray.
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References

Answer: About 90 percent. The station orbits only about 200 to 250 miles up. Gravity there is still about 90 percent of what you feel on the ground. A 100 pound person on a giant ladder would weigh about 90 pounds at the top.

  1. NASA: What Is Microgravity? (Grades 5-8) www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/for-kids-and-students/what-is-microgravity-grades-5-8
    At that altitude, Earth's gravity is about 90 percent of what it is on the planet's surface.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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