Spacecraft Dynamics

Description: This quiz covers the fundamental concepts and principles of spacecraft dynamics, including orbital mechanics, attitude dynamics, and control systems.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: spacecraft dynamics orbital mechanics attitude dynamics control systems
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What is the primary force that governs the motion of spacecraft in orbit?

  1. Gravitational force

  2. Electromagnetic force

  3. Nuclear force

  4. Weak force


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The gravitational force between the spacecraft and the central body (e.g., Earth, Moon, or Sun) is the dominant force that determines the spacecraft's orbital motion.

What is the term used to describe the path of a spacecraft around a central body?

  1. Orbit

  2. Trajectory

  3. Flight path

  4. Course


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

An orbit is the curved path followed by a spacecraft around a central body due to the gravitational force between them.

Which of the following is NOT a type of orbit?

  1. Circular orbit

  2. Elliptical orbit

  3. Parabolic orbit

  4. Hyperbolic orbit


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A parabolic orbit is not a closed path, unlike circular, elliptical, and hyperbolic orbits.

What is the velocity required for a spacecraft to escape the gravitational pull of a central body?

  1. Circular velocity

  2. Escape velocity

  3. Orbital velocity

  4. Tangential velocity


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Escape velocity is the minimum velocity required for a spacecraft to overcome the gravitational pull of a central body and achieve an unbound trajectory.

What is the term used to describe the orientation of a spacecraft in space?

  1. Attitude

  2. Position

  3. Velocity

  4. Acceleration


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Attitude refers to the orientation of a spacecraft in space, typically described by its roll, pitch, and yaw angles.

Which of the following is a common method for attitude control of spacecraft?

  1. Reaction wheels

  2. Thrusters

  3. Magnetic torquers

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Reaction wheels, thrusters, and magnetic torquers are all commonly used methods for attitude control of spacecraft.

What is the primary purpose of a spacecraft control system?

  1. To maintain the spacecraft's desired attitude

  2. To adjust the spacecraft's orbit

  3. To regulate the spacecraft's temperature

  4. To monitor the spacecraft's health and status


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary purpose of a spacecraft control system is to maintain the spacecraft's desired attitude, ensuring its stability and proper functioning.

Which of the following is NOT a type of spacecraft propulsion system?

  1. Chemical propulsion

  2. Electric propulsion

  3. Nuclear propulsion

  4. Solar sailing


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Solar sailing is not a propulsion system in the traditional sense, as it relies on the pressure of sunlight to propel the spacecraft.

What is the term used to describe the process of changing a spacecraft's orbit?

  1. Orbital transfer

  2. Orbital insertion

  3. Orbital decay

  4. Orbital rendezvous


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Orbital transfer refers to the process of changing a spacecraft's orbit, typically involving the use of propulsion systems.

Which of the following is a common method for orbital insertion?

  1. Retrograde burn

  2. Prograde burn

  3. Hohmann transfer

  4. Bi-elliptic transfer


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A retrograde burn is a common method for orbital insertion, where the spacecraft's engines are fired in the opposite direction of its motion to reduce its velocity and enter the desired orbit.

What is the term used to describe the process of two spacecraft coming close to each other in space?

  1. Orbital rendezvous

  2. Orbital docking

  3. Orbital insertion

  4. Orbital transfer


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Orbital rendezvous refers to the process of two spacecraft coming close to each other in space, typically as a precursor to docking or other operations.

Which of the following is NOT a type of spacecraft docking mechanism?

  1. Androgynous docking system

  2. Probe and drogue docking system

  3. Magnetic docking system

  4. Mechanical docking system


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Magnetic docking systems are not commonly used for spacecraft docking due to their limited strength and reliability.

What is the primary purpose of a spacecraft docking system?

  1. To allow astronauts to transfer between spacecraft

  2. To facilitate the exchange of cargo and supplies

  3. To enable the repair and maintenance of spacecraft

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Spacecraft docking systems serve multiple purposes, including allowing astronauts to transfer between spacecraft, facilitating the exchange of cargo and supplies, and enabling the repair and maintenance of spacecraft.

Which of the following is NOT a type of spacecraft trajectory correction maneuver?

  1. Mid-course correction

  2. Plane change maneuver

  3. Hohmann transfer

  4. Bi-elliptic transfer


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Hohmann transfer is a type of orbital transfer maneuver, not a trajectory correction maneuver.

What is the term used to describe the process of bringing a spacecraft back to Earth from orbit?

  1. Re-entry

  2. De-orbit burn

  3. Atmospheric entry

  4. Landing


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Re-entry refers to the process of a spacecraft returning to Earth's atmosphere from orbit, involving a controlled descent and deceleration.

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