Where No Man Has Gone Before - S1-E4
Character mistake: When Sulu is explaining the mathematics of Gary Mitchell's powers getting stronger, he says they are increasing "Geometrically", and then uses the popular example of doubling a penny every day for a month. What Sulu is describing would actually be exponentially. (00:24:14)
Chosen answer: If they're in orbit, they're being pulled along by the planet's gravity well, therefore, impulse engines would only be used for minor corrections and would be "on standby" while in orbit, but not active. (Like keeping your car idling without revving the engine and creating plumes of exhaust).
Captain Defenestrator
Thank you for the info.
Movie Nut