2.1 - Getting There: Technologies for Space Transport

Question 1

What is escape velocity?

Answer 1

An object entering space must be travelling at 28 000 km/h in order to escape Earth’s gravity

Question 2

When a rocket releases pressurized gas, what is the result?

Answer 2

A rocket releases pressurized gas, producing a thrust that propels the rocket in the opposite direction (up)

Question 3

What is the Law of Physics?

Answer 3

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

Question 4

What are the 3 basic parts of a rocket?

Answer 4

• Structural and mechanical elements
• Fuel (ignited in a combustion chamber, causing gases to expand and leave as exhaust)
• Payload (materials needed for flight, such as crew cabins and food)

Question 5

What are ion drives?

Answer 5

• Spacecraft engines that use xenon gas instead of chemical fuel. The xenon gas is electrically charged, accelerated and then released as exhaust
• 10 000 times weaker than other fuels, but only 1/10 of the gas is needed, so it can travel long distances

Question 6

What are solar sails?

Answer 6

• Sails that use sunlight to propel spacecraft forward

- The energy from the sun hits the carbon fibre material of the sails, propelling it forward

Question 7

What is the first of the 3 types of spacecraft?

Answer 7

• Shuttles transfer people and equipment to orbiting spacecraft

Question 8

What is the second of the 3 types of spacecraft?

Answer 8

• Space probes contain robotics for the exploration of space

Question 9

What is the third of the 3 types of spacecraft?

Answer 9

• Space stations allow people to work in space for long periods of time
• Are manned satellites that orbit Earth for long periods of time
• Can dock other spacecraft
• Used for research, particularly into the effects of space exploration on the human body