Space exploration

Which of these objects orbit a star?

• A satellite

• A planet

• A galaxy

Answer explanation

A planet orbits a star, with Earth orbiting the Sun.

Which of these objects radiate energy?

• A meteor

• A planet

• A star

Answer explanation

A star radiates heat and light energy.

Which of the following best describes the universe?

• The name we give to all the stars, planets and energy ever created

• The name we give to a group of stars

• The name we give to our solar system

Answer explanation

The universe is all the energy and matter that exists.

What is an advantage of a geostationary orbit?

• It means a satellite is in the same position above the Earth

• It means the satellite doesn’t orbit and is easier to communicate with

• It can be seen from Earth

Answer explanation

A geostationary satellite orbits at the same rate as the Earth, meaning that it seems to stay in the same position. This makes it easier to communicate with the satellite.

Why is manned travel to nearby stars unlikely?

• It is too dangerous

• The distances are so vast

• There is no gravity in space

Answer explanation

Voyager 1 has only traveled 140 times the distance between Earth and the sun since it was launched in 1977, so it would take inordinate periods of time to travel to the next nearest star.

During re-entry, a great amount of heat energy is generated by the spaceship interacting with the air. One of the key properties of a heat shield tile is to be able to...?

• Cut through the air smoothly

• Withstand high wind speeds

• Radiate much of the heat energy away

Answer explanation

The heat shield tile is the thing that will radiate much of the heat energy away.

How could a spacecraft slow down when in orbit?

• By releasing a parachute and it increases air drag

• By firing a thruster in the opposite direction

• By reducing its orbital height

Answer explanation

Reducing the orbital height will not have any knock-on effect on the velocity of a spacecraft travelling through space. Firing a thruster in the opposite direction causes an opposing force that will in turn reduce the velocity of the spacecraft.

What is the Milky Way an example of?

• A solar system

• A galaxy

• A red giant