The Ultimate Computer - S2-E24
Plot hole: When M-5 destroys the ore freighter, Dr. Daystrom says, "Fortunately, it was only a robot ship." But Daystrom wasn't on the bridge yet when Spock announced that fact. He didn't have any way of knowing that the freighter was unmanned. (00:23:00 - 00:25:05)
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