Spacecraft And Satelites

Question 1

Name the orbits a satelite can take.

Answer 1

• GEO (geostationary orbit)
• LEO (low earth orbit)
• Polar Orbit

Question 2

How do you get a satelite into orbit?

Answer 2

Either launch from earth at the right angle with enough force to get into orbit. Or launch a rocket or something else into space and from there send it with enough force to start its orbit.

Question 3

Describe the different orbits of a satelite.

Answer 3

• GEO (geostationary orbit): Satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) circle Earth above the equator from west to east following Earth’s rotation – taking 23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds – by travelling at exactly the same rate as Earth. This makes satellites in GEO appear to be ‘stationary’ over a fixed position.
• LEO (low earth orbit): A low Earth orbit (LEO) is, as the name suggests, an orbit that is relatively close to Earth’s surface. It is normally at an altitude of less than 1000 km but could be as low as 160 km above Earth
• Polar Orbit: Satellites in polar orbits usually travel past Earth from north to south rather than from west to east, passing roughly over Earth’s poles.

Question 4

Describe some of the uses of Satelites.

Answer 4

Satellites have a variety of uses, including communication relay, weather forecasting, navigation (GPS), broadcasting, scientific research, and Earth observation.

Question 5

Explain the benefits of the space program.

Answer 5

Benefits:
- Any named example of technology invented for the space programme used in everyday life, for example, computers, liquid-cooled suits, shock-absorbing materials, baby-milk formulae, computer programs, and water filters
-Encouraging curiosity about our Universe
-Encouraging the study of sciences at school and beyond
- Learn and understand more about our universe