
Visible crew/equipment: While Kirk and Spock are being chased, McCoy hears the gunfire so he stands up and walks away from the rock, then just as McCoy stops to use his communicator to contact Enterprise, the ground microphone is visible at the bottom, left corner of the screen. (00:02:30)
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