Space Exploration Technologies
Physics ⇒ Earth and Space Physics
Space Exploration Technologies starts at 8 and continues till grade 12.
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See sample questions for grade 10
A satellite completes one orbit around Earth in 24 hours. What type of orbit is this?
A satellite in low Earth orbit travels at a speed of 7.8 km/s. If it completes one orbit in 90 minutes, what is the approximate circumference of its orbit? (Give your answer in km.)
A satellite orbits Earth at an altitude where the gravitational force is 6.67 N. If the mass of the satellite is 100 kg, what is the acceleration due to gravity at that altitude? (Use F = m × g)
A satellite requires 2000 W of power to operate. If its solar panels provide 250 W/m², what is the minimum area of solar panels needed?
Describe one reason why space suits are essential for astronauts working outside a spacecraft.
Describe one way in which space exploration technologies have benefited life on Earth.
Describe the main function of a launch vehicle in space missions.
Explain the main difference between a space probe and a satellite.
Explain why communication with deep space probes can take several minutes or hours.
Explain why rockets need to carry both fuel and an oxidizer when launching from Earth.
A communication satellite is placed in a medium Earth orbit (MEO) at an altitude of 20,200 km above Earth's surface. If Earth's radius is approximately 6,400 km, what is the total distance from the center of Earth to the satellite?
A satellite in a circular orbit around Earth has a period of 2 hours. If the mass of Earth is 6.0 × 1024 kg and the gravitational constant G is 6.67 × 10-11 N·m2/kg2, calculate the radius of the satellite's orbit. (Use T = 2π√(r3/GM))
A spacecraft is traveling from Earth to Mars. Explain why it is more efficient to use a Hohmann transfer orbit rather than a direct straight-line path, and describe the main principle behind this method.
A spacecraft returning to Earth must slow down before re-entering the atmosphere. Describe one method used to reduce its speed and explain the physics behind it.
Explain the main challenges of maintaining life support systems for long-duration human missions beyond Earth's orbit, such as to Mars.
A Mars lander uses a combination of parachutes and retro-rockets to slow its descent through the Martian atmosphere. Explain why both systems are necessary, considering the properties of Mars' atmosphere.
A satellite in a circular orbit around Earth has a mass of 1,000 kg and is located at a distance of 10,000 km from the center of Earth. Calculate the gravitational force acting on the satellite. (Use G = 6.67 × 10-11 N·m2/kg2, mass of Earth = 6.0 × 1024 kg)
A satellite in geostationary orbit must remain above the same point on Earth's equator. Calculate the orbital period required for this, and explain why this period is necessary.
A spacecraft is traveling to Jupiter and needs to minimize fuel consumption. Explain how the concept of gravitational slingshot (gravity assist) is used to increase the spacecraft's speed, and describe the physics principle that allows this maneuver to work.
Explain why the vacuum of space presents a challenge for cooling electronic components on spacecraft, and describe one method engineers use to manage heat in space.
