OCT 2010 - Why do Astronauts Feel Weightless in Space?

There is indeed gravity in space. When an astronaut is floating in space, s/he is effectively falling towards the strongest center of gravity around them (generally, the earth). However, the velocity of him or her is large enough to where they can keep orbiting around said center of gravity, This creates a perpetual feeling of weightlessness.

On Earth, we can see this when something falls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GitLVLkp6Kg&feature=related

The above video shows two things: 1) That someone has a little too much free time, and 2) that in relativity to the skateboarder, while in the air, the skateboard is in effect weightless, much like an astronaut in space, only on a much smaller scale.