Question

When the space shuttle coasts in a circular orbit at constant speed about the earth, is it accelerating? if so, in what direction?

Answer 1

Yes. Acceleration means any change in speed or direction of motion. When an object coasts in a circular orbit at constant speed around the Earth, its direction is constantly changing. The acceleration is "CENTRIPETAL", which points toward the center of the circle.

Answer 2

Answer: YES it is accelerating and the direction is towards the centre

Explanation:

Acceletion is defined as the ratio of change in velocity in a direction with time. When a space shuttle moves in a circular orbit, accelerating at a constant speed, it's movement is centripetal. And it accelerates towards the centre.