This set of Astronautics Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Spacecraft Mission Analysis”.
1. Satellites are ferried into orbit aboard a __________
a) projectile
b) sounding rocket
c) launch vehicle
d) missile
View Answer
Explanation: A satellite is carried to its destination by a launch vehicle, which accommodates the craft in the top-most section of its structure.
2. Which of the following tasks is easier to perform with Earth-orbiting spacecraft?
a) Astronomical imagery
b) Earth-monitoring
c) Long-distance transportation
d) Sky surveys
View Answer
Explanation: Earth-monitoring is done more elegantly with orbiting spacecraft due to the fact that a large portion of our planet is visible from the satellite at any instant. Astronomical imagery from space may have its advantages but can nevertheless be outperformed using ground-based observatories. Long-distance transportation is highly infeasible with current technology and is limited to road, rail and air commute. Sky surveys on the other hand are better done from the surface since ground-based telescopes are rewarded with a much larger view of the sky.
3. A space probe is a spacecraft designed for a scientific objective and __________________
a) orbits the Earth
b) does not orbit the Earth
c) carries astronauts
d) is large enough to not only carry astronauts but also facilitate on-board experiments by its occupants.
View Answer
Explanation: A space probe is a designation given to any non-Earth-orbiting man-made entity designed for a scientific objective (weather monitoring of Jupiter, atmospheric studies of Mars, etc.). A space probe is again classified based on the nature of its mission – it can perform just a ‘flyby’ of an extraterrestrial body, go into orbit around the body (‘orbiter’), or land on the surface of the body (‘lander’).
4. The first satellite launched into orbit around Earth was __________________
a) Sputnik 1
b) Vanguard 1
c) Rohini
d) Aryabhata
View Answer
Explanation: Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite around Earth which was launched way back in 1957 by the Soviet Union.
5. The average life of a satellite is ___________
a) 30-50 years
b) 50 – 70 years
c) 5-15 years
d) 2 – 5 years
View Answer
Explanation: The average operational lifespan of an Earth-orbiting satellite is around 5 – 10 years, which is extendable up to 15 or even a maximum of 20 years.
Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Astronautics.
To practice all areas of Astronautics, here is complete set of Multiple Choice Questions and Answers.
