System 101 Question Set 4

What is "space weather" primarily caused by?

• Gravitational anomalies
• Solar activity, such as flares and coronal mass ejections
• Orbital debris impacts
• High-altitude clouds

Answer explanation

Space weather refers to disturbances caused by solar activity, which can affect satellites and other space-based systems.

Why is satellite ground station coverage important?

• To boost signal strength
• To control the satellite and receive data
• To monitor asteroids
• To detect space debris

Answer explanation

Ground stations are crucial for controlling satellites, sending commands, and receiving data from them.

What happens to a satellite that reaches the end of its fuel supply?

• It is moved to a graveyard orbit
• It continues to operate indefinitely
• It crashes back to Earth
• It explodes

Answer explanation

Satellites that are no longer operational are often moved to a "graveyard orbit" to avoid creating space debris.

What type of orbit allows for continuous, full-Earth coverage?

• Geostationary orbit
• Sun-synchronous orbit
• Polar orbit
• Molniya orbit

Answer explanation

Polar orbits allow satellites to pass over the entire surface of the Earth, enabling full-Earth coverage over time.

What is a satellite "constellation"?

• A group of satellites working together for a common mission
• A large satellite with multiple communication antennas
• A satellite orbiting a planet other than Earth
• A satellite used for deep-space exploration

Answer explanation

A satellite constellation is a group of satellites working together to provide comprehensive coverage for tasks like communication or navigation.

What does the "payload" of a satellite refer to?

• Its onboard fuel supply
• The scientific instruments or communication equipment it carries
• The solar panels for power generation
• The protective heat shield

Answer explanation

The payload refers to the instruments or equipment that a satellite uses to fulfill its mission objectives, such as communication, imaging, or data collection.

What is the main purpose of an antenna on a satellite?

• To generate power from solar energy
• To maintain orbit
• To transmit and receive signals
• To control thermal regulation

Answer explanation

Antennas on satellites are used to transmit and receive communication signals between the satellite and Earth.

What is the "footprint" of a communication satellite?

• The area of Earth covered by its signal
• The satellite's total weight
• The time it takes to complete one orbit
• The amount of fuel it consumes

Answer explanation

A satellite's footprint refers to the area on the Earth's surface that is covered by its communication signals.

What is the function of a satellite's gyroscope?

• To generate power
• To control its orientation and stability
• To increase its speed
• To monitor space debris

Answer explanation

Gyroscopes are used in satellites to control and maintain their orientation in space, helping to keep them stable.

What is the purpose of a satellite’s propulsion system?

• To control its temperature
• To maintain or change its orbit
• To communicate with ground stations
• To measure radiation levels

Answer explanation

The propulsion system allows the satellite to maintain or adjust its orbit, and also to perform maneuvers when necessary.