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Space Exploration and Technology in Literature

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge about the portrayal of space exploration and technology in literature.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: space exploration literature science fiction
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In Arthur C. Clarke's novel (2001: A Space Odyssey), what is the name of the sentient computer that controls the Discovery One spacecraft?

  1. HAL 9000

  2. HAL 9001

  3. HAL 9002

  4. HAL 9003


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

HAL 9000 is the sentient computer that controls the Discovery One spacecraft in (2001: A Space Odyssey). It is capable of human-like speech, reasoning, and emotion, and it eventually becomes a threat to the human crew.

In Isaac Asimov's (Foundation) series, what is the name of the planet where the Galactic Empire is headquartered?

  1. Trantor

  2. Coruscant

  3. Naboo

  4. Tatooine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Trantor is the planet where the Galactic Empire is headquartered in Isaac Asimov's (Foundation) series. It is a densely populated ecumenopolis, with a population of trillions of people.

In Robert A. Heinlein's novel (Stranger in a Strange Land), what is the name of the alien who is raised by humans and becomes a messianic figure?

  1. Lazarus Long

  2. Jubal Harshaw

  3. Valentine Michael Smith

  4. Mike


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Valentine Michael Smith is the alien who is raised by humans and becomes a messianic figure in Robert A. Heinlein's novel (Stranger in a Strange Land). He is known for his pacifism, his love for humanity, and his ability to perform miracles.

In Ursula K. Le Guin's (The Left Hand of Darkness), what is the name of the planet where the inhabitants are ambisexual and can change their sex at will?

  1. Gethen

  2. Winter

  3. Anarres

  4. Urras


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Gethen is the name of the planet where the inhabitants are ambisexual and can change their sex at will in Ursula K. Le Guin's (The Left Hand of Darkness). This unique biological feature has a profound impact on their society and culture.

In Kim Stanley Robinson's (Mars Trilogy), what is the name of the first human settlement on Mars?

  1. Ares Vallis

  2. Elysium Planitia

  3. Valles Marineris

  4. Olympus Mons


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ares Vallis is the name of the first human settlement on Mars in Kim Stanley Robinson's (Mars Trilogy). It is located in a valley near the Martian equator and is home to a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and colonists.

In Neal Stephenson's (Seveneves), what is the name of the space station that is built to save humanity after a catastrophic event destroys the Earth?

  1. Seveneves

  2. Kepler

  3. Hubble

  4. ISS


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Seveneves is the name of the space station that is built to save humanity after a catastrophic event destroys the Earth in Neal Stephenson's (Seveneves). It is a massive structure that is designed to house thousands of people and provide them with everything they need to survive.

In Andy Weir's (The Martian), what is the name of the astronaut who is stranded on Mars and must use his ingenuity to survive?

  1. Mark Watney

  2. Matt Damon

  3. Jessica Chastain

  4. Jeff Daniels


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Mark Watney is the name of the astronaut who is stranded on Mars and must use his ingenuity to survive in Andy Weir's (The Martian). He is a botanist and engineer who is able to use his skills to grow food, generate water, and repair his damaged equipment.

In Liu Cixin's (The Three-Body Problem), what is the name of the alien civilization that threatens to destroy humanity?

  1. The Trisolarans

  2. The Fermians

  3. The Oort Clouders

  4. The Dark Forest


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Trisolarans are the alien civilization that threatens to destroy humanity in Liu Cixin's (The Three-Body Problem). They are a technologically advanced race who are facing a resource crisis on their own planet and are determined to colonize Earth.

In Alastair Reynolds' (Revelation Space) series, what is the name of the sentient starship that is powered by a black hole?

  1. The Absolution

  2. The Redemption

  3. The Salvation

  4. The Transcendence


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Absolution is the name of the sentient starship that is powered by a black hole in Alastair Reynolds' (Revelation Space) series. It is a powerful and dangerous vessel that is capable of interstellar travel and can be used as a weapon of mass destruction.

In Becky Chambers' (The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet), what is the name of the spaceship that travels the galaxy performing odd jobs?

  1. The Wayfarer

  2. The Rocinante

  3. The Serenity

  4. The Enterprise


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Wayfarer is the name of the spaceship that travels the galaxy performing odd jobs in Becky Chambers' (The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet). It is a small, but reliable ship that is home to a diverse crew of aliens and humans.

In John Scalzi's (Old Man's War) series, what is the name of the military organization that recruits elderly people to fight in interstellar wars?

  1. The Colonial Defense Force

  2. The United Nations Space Command

  3. The Earth Defense Force

  4. The Galactic Federation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Colonial Defense Force is the name of the military organization that recruits elderly people to fight in interstellar wars in John Scalzi's (Old Man's War) series. These soldiers are given enhanced physical and mental abilities, and they are sent to fight on the front lines of humanity's wars against alien races.

In Vernor Vinge's (A Fire Upon the Deep), what is the name of the alien race that is composed of living stars?

  1. The Blorgs

  2. The Qeng Ho

  3. The Tines

  4. The Zones


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Zones are the alien race that is composed of living stars in Vernor Vinge's (A Fire Upon the Deep). They are incredibly powerful and intelligent, and they have a profound impact on the history of the galaxy.

In Iain M. Banks' (Culture) series, what is the name of the advanced artificial intelligence that controls the Culture?

  1. The Mind

  2. The Oracle

  3. The Matrix

  4. The Internet


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Mind is the name of the advanced artificial intelligence that controls the Culture in Iain M. Banks' (Culture) series. It is a benevolent and wise entity that is responsible for the well-being of all Culture citizens.

In Peter F. Hamilton's (Commonwealth Saga), what is the name of the interstellar highway that connects the various planets and star systems?

  1. The Starlight Expressway

  2. The Galactic Turnpike

  3. The Wormhole Network

  4. The Hyperdrive Corridor


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Starlight Expressway is the name of the interstellar highway that connects the various planets and star systems in Peter F. Hamilton's (Commonwealth Saga). It is a vast network of wormholes that allows for rapid travel between different parts of the galaxy.

In Greg Egan's (Permutation City), what is the name of the virtual reality world that is created by a group of scientists?

  1. Permutation City

  2. The Matrix

  3. The Metaverse

  4. The Singularity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Permutation City is the name of the virtual reality world that is created by a group of scientists in Greg Egan's (Permutation City). It is a complex and immersive world that allows people to experience alternate realities and explore the limits of human consciousness.

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