Q:

Maneuvering a space shuttle using propulsion systems?

A colleague and I randomly started on this subject, and, not being very good at anything science / physics related we were stumped at how this might work. So the question is:
If I park my space ship in space,  such that it is as close to being as perfectly still as possible, can it maneuver freely with some sort of propulsion system?
We are under the assumption that, in order to move  there needs to be something to move against,  which we are assuming is absent in space.

A:

Well still is a little tricky to define in space, but assuming it isn't close enough to any other object to feel its gravity it will just stay there. Until you use its engines.
Rocket engines don't need anything to push against, throwing the exhaust out of the back is what pushes it forward. Think of it as like the recoil of a gun when you fire a bullet behind you

