Chapter 5: Exploring Space

Question 1

rocket

Answer 1

a machine that uses escaping gas from burning fuel to move

Question 2

NASA

Answer 2

the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Question 3

thrust

Answer 3

the pushing or pulling force exerted by the engine of an aircraft or rocket

Question 4

artificial satellite

Answer 4

any human-made object placed in orbit around a body in space

Question 5

low Earth orbit

Answer 5

an orbit less than 1,500 km above the Earth’s surface

Question 6

geostationary orbit

Answer 6

an orbit that is about 36,000 km above the Earth’s surface and in which a satellite is above a fixed spot on the equator

Question 7

space probe

Answer 7

an uncrewed vehicle that carries scientific instruments into space to collect scientific data

Question 8

space shuttle

Answer 8

a reusable space vehicle that takes off like a rocket and lands like an airplane

Question 9

space station

Answer 9

a long-term orbiting platform from which other vehicles can be launched or scientific research can be carried out