Spacecraft Design and Human Spaceflight Quiz

Which of the following questions is most critical in spacecraft design?

• What color should the spacecraft be painted?

• How much will the spacecraft cost?

• Where will the spacecraft go and what must it do there?

• Who will launch the spacecraft?

Which factor most strongly influences spacecraft type?

• Destination and payload

• Shape of antennas

• Designer’s country

• Fuel price

What is the first step in the spacecraft design process?

• Design the subsystems

• Determine the orbit or destination

• Build a prototype

• Calculate the thrust needed

Which of the following is an environmental challenge spacecraft may face?

• Loud acoustics during launch

• Desert winds

• Ocean tides

• Tornadoes

What is a primary role of spacecraft structures?

• Generating thrust

• Supporting subsystems and protecting payloads

• Controlling temperature

• Sending signals to Earth

Which type of propulsion is best for efficient interplanetary travel?

• Nuclear propulsion

• Chemical propulsion

• Electric propulsion

• Magnetic propulsion

Why is chemical propulsion still used despite its low efficiency?

• It requires no fuel

• It produces high thrust necessary for launch

• It is lighter than electric propulsion

• It creates less heat

What does the “Navigation” part of GNC involve?

• Firing thrusters

• Knowing where the spacecraft is

• Deciding the mission

• Designing sensors

What is the main purpose of spacecraft avionics?

• Build the outer structure

• Command and control spacecraft systems

• Store fuel

• Protect against radiation

Which subsystem is responsible for keeping astronauts alive by managing air and water?

• GNC

• Avionics

• ECLSS (Environmental Control & Life Support System)

• Propulsion