Space Physics

Question 1

Space-Time

Answer 1

A four-dimensional continuum that blends the three dimensions of space with time, where events are described by both spatial coordinates and the time they occur.

Question 2

Orbital Mechanics

Answer 2

The branch of physics that deals with the motion of objects in space under the influence of gravitational forces, used to calculate trajectories and velocities of spacecraft.

Question 3

Kepler’s Laws

Answer 3

A set of three principles describing the motion of planets and other celestial bodies in orbit, providing the foundation for orbital mechanics.

Question 4

Escape Velocity

Answer 4

The minimum velocity required for an object to break free from a celestial body’s gravitational pull without further propulsion.

Question 5

Orbital Period

Answer 5

The time it takes for a spacecraft or celestial object to complete one full orbit around another body, such as the Earth or the Sun.

Question 6

Gravity Assist

Answer 6

A technique where a spacecraft gains speed by using the gravitational field of a planet or moon, allowing it to reach destinations further in space with less fuel.

Question 7

Inclination

Answer 7

The angle between the plane of an object’s orbit and the plane of Earth’s equator, which determines its coverage area and mission focus.

Question 8

Aphelion

Answer 8

The point in an object’s orbit where it is farthest from the Sun.

Question 9

Perihelion

Answer 9

The point in an object’s orbit where it is closest to the Sun.

Question 10

Orbital Insertion

Answer 10

The process of placing a spacecraft into a stable orbit around a celestial body, often using propulsion systems to adjust its speed and trajectory.

Question 11

Orbital Transfer

Answer 11

A maneuver used to change from one orbit to another, often through a series of carefully calculated velocity changes.

Question 12

Tidal Forces

Answer 12

The gravitational forces exerted by a larger body on a smaller one, causing deformation and affecting the motion of the smaller body in space.

Question 13

Relativity

Answer 13

A theory in physics developed by Einstein, explaining how the laws of physics are the same for all observers and how time and space are intertwined in the presence of gravity.

Question 14

Time Dilation

Answer 14

A concept from relativity where time appears to pass at different rates depending on the relative velocity or gravitational field experienced by an observer.

Question 15

Geostationary Orbit

Answer 15

A circular orbit around Earth 35,786 km above the equator where satellites appear stationary relative to the Earth’s surface.

Question 16

Synodic Period

Answer 16

The time it takes for a celestial object to return to the same position relative to the Sun, such as the time between successive new moons.

Question 17

Orbital Decay

Answer 17

The gradual decrease in the altitude of a satellite’s orbit due to atmospheric drag or gravitational interactions, eventually leading to reentry.

Question 18

Space Debris

Answer 18

Non-functional objects, including defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and other debris, that remain in orbit and pose a hazard to operational spacecraft.

Question 19

Solar Wind

Answer 19

A stream of charged particles (mostly electrons and protons) emitted by the Sun, which can affect the motion of spacecraft and the space environment.

Question 20

Electromagnetic Radiation

Answer 20

Energy emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves, including light, radio waves, X-rays, etc., that travels through space and can be detected by space-based instruments.

Question 21

Interstellar Space

Answer 21

The vast region between star systems, where space is almost a perfect vacuum and conditions are vastly different from those found within solar systems.

Question 22

Lagrange Points

Answer 22

Five positions in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies (such as Earth and the Moon or Earth and the Sun) and the centrifugal force of an object balance each other, allowing a spacecraft to remain in a fixed position relative to those bodies.