Revealing mistake: When the Enterprise is attacked in the prologue, some of the crew grab onto the central console (that Sulu and Chekov usually sit at). The console noticeably lifts up from the stage surface, almost falling over. Twice.
Revealing mistake: A number of times through the episode, the wire holding Nomad up and moving it around is visible. Example: When Nomad first moves off the transporter pad, look directly above it; the black wire can be seen in front on the light over the pad.
Revealing mistake: When Kirk, Spock and McCoy study a diagram that shows various parts of the Nomad probe, the lower right of the diagram reads "Computer Data Banks Recall & Transmition". It should read "Transmission".
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