Spacecraft Flight Control Systems

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge on Spacecraft Flight Control Systems.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: spacecraft flight control systems attitude control
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary function of a spacecraft flight control system?

  1. To maintain the spacecraft's attitude and orientation

  2. To control the spacecraft's trajectory and velocity

  3. To monitor and manage the spacecraft's subsystems

  4. To communicate with the spacecraft from Earth


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary function of a spacecraft flight control system is to maintain the spacecraft's attitude and orientation in space. This is achieved through the use of various sensors, actuators, and control algorithms.

Which of the following is NOT a type of spacecraft attitude control system?

  1. Three-axis stabilization

  2. Spin stabilization

  3. Gravity gradient stabilization

  4. Reaction wheel control


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Gravity gradient stabilization is not a type of spacecraft attitude control system. It is a passive attitude control technique that uses the gravity gradient between the spacecraft and the Earth to maintain the spacecraft's orientation.

What is the purpose of a reaction wheel in a spacecraft?

  1. To store electrical energy

  2. To generate electrical power

  3. To control the spacecraft's attitude

  4. To measure the spacecraft's attitude


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A reaction wheel is a momentum exchange device used to control the spacecraft's attitude. It consists of a spinning flywheel that stores angular momentum. By changing the speed or direction of rotation of the flywheel, the spacecraft's angular momentum can be changed, thus controlling its attitude.

What is the difference between an open-loop and a closed-loop spacecraft flight control system?

  1. An open-loop system uses feedback, while a closed-loop system does not.

  2. An open-loop system is more accurate than a closed-loop system.

  3. An open-loop system is more stable than a closed-loop system.

  4. An open-loop system is simpler to design than a closed-loop system.


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The main difference between an open-loop and a closed-loop spacecraft flight control system is that an open-loop system does not use feedback, while a closed-loop system does. In an open-loop system, the control inputs are determined solely based on the desired output, without taking into account the actual output. In a closed-loop system, the control inputs are adjusted based on the difference between the desired output and the actual output.

What is the purpose of a Kalman filter in a spacecraft flight control system?

  1. To estimate the spacecraft's state

  2. To control the spacecraft's attitude

  3. To generate electrical power

  4. To communicate with the spacecraft from Earth


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A Kalman filter is an algorithm used to estimate the state of a dynamic system, such as a spacecraft, from a series of noisy measurements. The Kalman filter combines the measurements with a mathematical model of the system to produce an estimate of the system's state that is more accurate than either the measurements or the model alone.

What is the term used to describe the process of bringing a spacecraft into a desired attitude?

  1. Attitude acquisition

  2. Attitude control

  3. Attitude determination

  4. Attitude estimation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Attitude acquisition is the process of bringing a spacecraft into a desired attitude. This is typically done using a combination of attitude sensors and actuators.

What is the term used to describe the process of maintaining a spacecraft's attitude once it has been acquired?

  1. Attitude acquisition

  2. Attitude control

  3. Attitude determination

  4. Attitude estimation


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Attitude control is the process of maintaining a spacecraft's attitude once it has been acquired. This is typically done using a combination of attitude sensors and actuators.

What is the term used to describe the process of determining a spacecraft's attitude?

  1. Attitude acquisition

  2. Attitude control

  3. Attitude determination

  4. Attitude estimation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Attitude determination is the process of determining a spacecraft's attitude. This is typically done using a combination of attitude sensors and a mathematical model of the spacecraft.

What is the term used to describe the process of estimating a spacecraft's attitude?

  1. Attitude acquisition

  2. Attitude control

  3. Attitude determination

  4. Attitude estimation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Attitude estimation is the process of estimating a spacecraft's attitude. This is typically done using a combination of attitude sensors and a mathematical model of the spacecraft.

What is the term used to describe the process of controlling a spacecraft's trajectory and velocity?

  1. Trajectory control

  2. Velocity control

  3. Attitude control

  4. Guidance


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Trajectory control is the process of controlling a spacecraft's trajectory and velocity. This is typically done using a combination of thrusters and a mathematical model of the spacecraft.

What is the term used to describe the process of guiding a spacecraft to a desired destination?

  1. Trajectory control

  2. Velocity control

  3. Attitude control

  4. Guidance


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Guidance is the process of guiding a spacecraft to a desired destination. This is typically done using a combination of sensors, actuators, and a mathematical model of the spacecraft.

What is the term used to describe the process of controlling a spacecraft's velocity?

  1. Trajectory control

  2. Velocity control

  3. Attitude control

  4. Guidance


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Velocity control is the process of controlling a spacecraft's velocity. This is typically done using a combination of thrusters and a mathematical model of the spacecraft.

What is the term used to describe the process of controlling a spacecraft's attitude using reaction wheels?

  1. Reaction wheel control

  2. Momentum wheel control

  3. Flywheel control

  4. Gyro control


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Reaction wheel control is the process of controlling a spacecraft's attitude using reaction wheels. Reaction wheels are momentum exchange devices that consist of a spinning flywheel. By changing the speed or direction of rotation of the flywheel, the spacecraft's angular momentum can be changed, thus controlling its attitude.

What is the term used to describe the process of controlling a spacecraft's attitude using thrusters?

  1. Reaction wheel control

  2. Momentum wheel control

  3. Flywheel control

  4. Thruster control


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Thruster control is the process of controlling a spacecraft's attitude using thrusters. Thrusters are small rockets that produce thrust. By firing the thrusters in different directions, the spacecraft's attitude can be changed.

What is the term used to describe the process of controlling a spacecraft's attitude using magnetic torquers?

  1. Reaction wheel control

  2. Momentum wheel control

  3. Flywheel control

  4. Magnetic torquer control


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Magnetic torquer control is the process of controlling a spacecraft's attitude using magnetic torquers. Magnetic torquers are devices that produce a magnetic field. By changing the direction of the magnetic field, the spacecraft's attitude can be changed.

- Hide questions