0

Astrodynamics Applications

Description: This quiz covers various applications of astrodynamics, including orbital mechanics, spacecraft navigation, and mission design.
Number of Questions: 14
Created by:
Tags: astrodynamics orbital mechanics spacecraft navigation mission design
Attempted 0/14 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary objective of astrodynamics?

  1. To study the motion of celestial bodies

  2. To design and control spacecraft trajectories

  3. To understand the forces acting on spacecraft

  4. To predict the behavior of space debris


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Astrodynamics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the motion of spacecraft and other celestial bodies. Its primary objective is to design and control spacecraft trajectories to achieve specific mission objectives.

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental force considered in astrodynamics?

  1. Gravitational force

  2. Electromagnetic force

  3. Strong nuclear force

  4. Weak nuclear force


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The strong nuclear force is not a fundamental force considered in astrodynamics because it acts only at very short distances, such as those within atomic nuclei. The other three forces, gravitational force, electromagnetic force, and weak nuclear force, play significant roles in astrodynamics.

What is the equation of motion for a spacecraft in a central gravitational field?

  1. $F = ma$

  2. $F = GmM/r^2$

  3. $F = mv^2/r$

  4. $F = Gm_1m_2/r^2$


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The equation of motion for a spacecraft in a central gravitational field is $F = GmM/r^2$, where $F$ is the gravitational force, $G$ is the gravitational constant, $m$ is the mass of the spacecraft, $M$ is the mass of the central body, and $r$ is the distance between the spacecraft and the central body.

What is the Hohmann transfer orbit used for?

  1. Transferring between two circular orbits in the same plane

  2. Transferring between two elliptical orbits in the same plane

  3. Transferring between two circular orbits in different planes

  4. Transferring between two elliptical orbits in different planes


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Hohmann transfer orbit is a maneuver used to transfer a spacecraft between two circular orbits in the same plane. It involves two impulses: one to raise the spacecraft's perigee to the apogee of the transfer orbit and another to lower the spacecraft's apogee to the perigee of the target orbit.

What is the purpose of a gravity assist maneuver?

  1. To increase the spacecraft's velocity

  2. To decrease the spacecraft's velocity

  3. To change the spacecraft's direction of motion

  4. To all of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A gravity assist maneuver is a technique used to change a spacecraft's velocity, direction of motion, or both by utilizing the gravitational field of a planet or moon. It can be used to increase or decrease the spacecraft's velocity, change its direction of motion, or both.

What is the Lambert's problem in astrodynamics?

  1. Determining the trajectory of a spacecraft given its initial and final positions and velocities

  2. Determining the trajectory of a spacecraft given its initial position and velocity and the time of flight

  3. Determining the trajectory of a spacecraft given its final position and velocity and the time of flight

  4. Determining the trajectory of a spacecraft given its initial and final positions and the time of flight


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lambert's problem is a mathematical problem in astrodynamics that involves determining the trajectory of a spacecraft given its initial and final positions and the time of flight. It is used to design spacecraft trajectories for missions such as interplanetary transfers and rendezvous maneuvers.

What is the purpose of a rendezvous maneuver?

  1. To bring two spacecraft together in the same orbit

  2. To bring two spacecraft together in different orbits

  3. To change the orbit of a spacecraft

  4. To all of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A rendezvous maneuver is a series of spacecraft maneuvers used to bring two spacecraft together in the same orbit. It is often used to dock spacecraft together for crew transfer, cargo transfer, or other purposes.

What is the difference between a geostationary orbit and a geosynchronous orbit?

  1. Geostationary orbits are always circular, while geosynchronous orbits can be elliptical

  2. Geosynchronous orbits are always circular, while geostationary orbits can be elliptical

  3. Geostationary orbits are always above the Earth's equator, while geosynchronous orbits can be inclined

  4. Geosynchronous orbits are always above the Earth's equator, while geostationary orbits can be inclined


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Geostationary orbits are circular orbits that lie directly above the Earth's equator and have a period of 24 hours, which means that they appear to remain stationary over a fixed point on the Earth's surface. Geosynchronous orbits, on the other hand, are not necessarily circular and can be inclined with respect to the Earth's equator. They have a period of 24 hours or more, but they may not appear to remain stationary over a fixed point on the Earth's surface.

What is the purpose of a Lagrange point?

  1. To provide a stable location for spacecraft

  2. To provide a location for spacecraft to rendezvous

  3. To provide a location for spacecraft to dock

  4. To all of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Lagrange points are locations in space where the gravitational forces of two or more celestial bodies cancel each other out. This creates a stable environment where spacecraft can be placed and remain in a fixed position relative to the celestial bodies. Lagrange points are often used for spacecraft that need to maintain a constant position relative to the Earth, such as communication satellites and weather satellites.

What is the difference between a ballistic trajectory and a powered trajectory?

  1. Ballistic trajectories are always parabolic, while powered trajectories can be elliptical

  2. Powered trajectories are always parabolic, while ballistic trajectories can be elliptical

  3. Ballistic trajectories are always unpowered, while powered trajectories are always powered

  4. Powered trajectories are always unpowered, while ballistic trajectories are always powered


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Ballistic trajectories are trajectories in which a spacecraft is not powered and follows a parabolic path under the influence of gravity. Powered trajectories, on the other hand, are trajectories in which a spacecraft is powered and can deviate from a parabolic path.

What is the purpose of a phasing maneuver?

  1. To adjust the timing of a spacecraft's orbit

  2. To adjust the inclination of a spacecraft's orbit

  3. To adjust the eccentricity of a spacecraft's orbit

  4. To all of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A phasing maneuver is a maneuver used to adjust the timing of a spacecraft's orbit. It is often used to ensure that two spacecraft arrive at a rendezvous point at the same time or to adjust the timing of a spacecraft's passage over a ground station.

What is the purpose of a plane change maneuver?

  1. To change the inclination of a spacecraft's orbit

  2. To change the eccentricity of a spacecraft's orbit

  3. To change the semi-major axis of a spacecraft's orbit

  4. To all of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A plane change maneuver is a maneuver used to change the inclination of a spacecraft's orbit. It is often used to transfer a spacecraft from one orbital plane to another or to adjust the inclination of a spacecraft's orbit to match that of another spacecraft.

What is the purpose of an eccentricity change maneuver?

  1. To change the eccentricity of a spacecraft's orbit

  2. To change the inclination of a spacecraft's orbit

  3. To change the semi-major axis of a spacecraft's orbit

  4. To all of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

An eccentricity change maneuver is a maneuver used to change the eccentricity of a spacecraft's orbit. It is often used to transfer a spacecraft from an elliptical orbit to a circular orbit or vice versa.

What is the purpose of a semi-major axis change maneuver?

  1. To change the semi-major axis of a spacecraft's orbit

  2. To change the eccentricity of a spacecraft's orbit

  3. To change the inclination of a spacecraft's orbit

  4. To all of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A semi-major axis change maneuver is a maneuver used to change the semi-major axis of a spacecraft's orbit. It is often used to transfer a spacecraft from one orbit to another with a different semi-major axis.

- Hide questions