Space Exploration and Aviation

Front

What is the principle behind rocketry?

Back

Rocketry uses reaction force to propel vehicles. When a rocket's exhaust gasses are expelled, they create a reaction that pushes the rocket in the opposite direction.

Front

How do rocket engines differ from jet engines?

Back

Rocket engines do not rely on air and carry all they need to create reactive force, enabling them to work both in the atmosphere and in space.

Front

What was the first large man-made object to reach space?

Back

The V-2 rockets were the first large man-made objects to reach space.

Front

What event sparked the 'Space Race'?

Back

The launch of Sputnik, the first man-made satellite by the Soviets in 1957, sparked the 'Space Race' between the Soviet Union and the United States.

Front

What were the early U.S. manned space programs developed in response to Sputnik?

Back

The early U.S. manned space programs—Mercury and Gemini—were developed in response to Sputnik.

Front

What was Project Mercury?

Back

Project Mercury was the first U.S. manned space program, beginning in 1958 with one-person flights.

Front

Who was the first American in space?

Back

Alan Shepard became the first American in space with a 15-minute flight.

Front

What was the purpose of the Gemini spacecraft?

Back

The Gemini spacecraft carried two astronauts for longer missions, developing techniques to rendezvous and dock with other spacecraft.

Front

What was significant about the Apollo 11 mission?

Back

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11's Lunar Excursion Module (LEM), the Eagle, landed on the Moon, and Neil Armstrong became the first man on the Moon.

Front

What was Skylab?

Back

Launched in 1973, Skylab was used in four missions over six years for studying the solar system, conducting scientific experiments, and performing long-term medical studies.