* Weight vs. Mass: We often use scales to measure weight, which is the force of gravity acting on an object. In orbit, you're still under the influence of Earth's gravity, but you're in freefall. This means you're constantly falling towards Earth, but your horizontal velocity keeps you from actually hitting the planet.

* Freefall and Apparent Weightlessness: The feeling of weightlessness in orbit is not because there's no gravity, but because you and the spacecraft are falling together at the same rate. This means you're not pushing down on the scale, so you'd appear "weightless".

So, what would the scale read?

The scale would likely read close to zero. You wouldn't be pushing down on it because of the freefall condition.

Important Note: There might be very slight forces from things like:

* Air Resistance: Even in the thin atmosphere at orbital altitudes, there would be a tiny amount of air resistance pushing you against the scale.

* Centrifugal Force: Technically, the Earth's rotation causes a slight centrifugal force that acts outwards, but this force is very small compared to gravity.

In Conclusion: While you are still under the influence of gravity in orbit, you would appear weightless on a scale due to the freefall condition. The scale would likely read close to zero.