Why does gravity in the Space Shuttle compare to gravity on Earth?

The comparison of gravity in the Space Shuttle to gravity on Earth revolves around the concept of gravitational force as described by Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. While the Space Shuttle is in low Earth orbit, it remains relatively close to the Earth—approximately 200 to 400 kilometers above the surface. At this distance, the gravitational pull that the Earth exerts on the Shuttle is still substantial and is approximately 90% as strong as it is on the surface.

The key aspect to recognize is that while the Shuttle is indeed experiencing a weaker gravitational effect compared to being on the surface of the Earth, it is not due to a significant change in distance from the center of the Earth itself, which is why the correct choice highlights that the Shuttle is at about the same distance from the center of Earth.

The sensation of weightlessness experienced by astronauts in the Shuttle is not because gravity is absent, but because both the Shuttle and its occupants are in a state of free fall, allowing them to experience microgravity. This condition creates the illusion of weightlessness, while gravity remains a powerful force acting on the Shuttle and the astronauts. Thus, option B accurately reflects the relationship between gravity in the Shuttle and that on Earth's surface within the context of their relative distances.