The International Space Station (ISS) stays in orbit around Earth by maintaining a balance between its forward velocity and the gravitational pull of the Earth. The ISS travels at a high orbital velocity, approximately 28,000 kilometers per hour (about 17,500 miles per hour), which allows it to continuously fall towards Earth but never actually reach it. This is because Earth’s surface curves away at the same rate that the ISS falls, creating a stable orbit. The gravitational force pulls the ISS towards Earth, while its inertia keeps it moving forward, resulting in a circular or elliptical orbital path.