SpaceX's Historic Booster Catch Quiz

What did SpaceX achieve with its Starship booster?

• It launched the booster to Mars.

• It used the booster to power a satellite.

• It caught the booster using metal chopsticks.

• It landed the booster on the moon.

Answer explanation

SpaceX successfully caught its Starship booster using a unique method involving metal chopsticks, showcasing innovative recovery technology. This achievement is a significant step in reusable rocket technology.

How did Elon Musk describe the booster catch?

• A failed attempt

• A routine operation

• A minor achievement

• Science fiction without the fiction part

Answer explanation

Elon Musk described the booster catch as 'science fiction without the fiction part', highlighting its groundbreaking nature and the innovative technology behind it, distinguishing it from mere fantasy.

What is the height of the Starship rocket?

• 500 feet

• 400 feet

• 200 feet

• 300 feet

Answer explanation

The height of the Starship rocket is 400 feet, making it the correct choice among the options provided. The other heights listed are incorrect.

Where did the Starship spacecraft land after the booster detached?

• In the Pacific Ocean

• On the moon

• In the Atlantic Ocean

• In the Indian Ocean

Answer explanation

The Starship spacecraft landed in the Indian Ocean after the booster detached, making this the correct choice among the options provided.

What was unique about this booster catch?

• It was the first booster catch underwater.

• It was the first booster catch on the moon.

• It was the first booster catch in space.

• It was the first time SpaceX attempted to catch the booster back at the launch tower.

Answer explanation

This booster catch was unique because it marked the first time SpaceX attempted to catch the booster back at the launch tower, showcasing a new approach to recovery compared to previous methods.

Why are reusable rockets important according to the text?

• They dramatically lower costs.

• They are more colorful.

• They are faster.

• They are lighter.

Answer explanation

Reusable rockets are important because they dramatically lower costs associated with space travel, making it more accessible and sustainable. This economic benefit is crucial for the future of space exploration.

What is NASA's plan for the Starship?

• To build a space hotel

• To use it for space tourism

• To land humans on the moon

• To explore the sun

Answer explanation

NASA's plan for the Starship primarily focuses on landing humans on the moon as part of the Artemis program, aiming to establish a sustainable human presence there.

What did other SpaceX employees call the booster catch?

• A day for the engineering history books

• An impossible mission

• A routine task

• A small step

Answer explanation

SpaceX employees referred to the booster catch as 'a day for the engineering history books' because it marked a significant achievement in aerospace engineering, showcasing innovation and success in rocket recovery.

How many test flights to Mars are planned in the next two years?

• Five

• Four

• Three

• Six

Answer explanation

The correct answer is five, as recent plans indicate that there are five test flights to Mars scheduled within the next two years, reflecting the ongoing efforts in space exploration.

What did the booster use to steer itself during descent?

• Wings

• Parachutes

• Propellers

• Four fins

Answer explanation

The booster used four fins to steer itself during descent. These fins provided aerodynamic control, allowing for precise maneuvering, unlike wings or propellers which are not used in this context.