Space Systems & Payloads & Subsystems Practice Quiz

Which of the following statements is true?

• Bus requirements drive payload requirements

• Bus requirements (e.g., for power) are relatively consistent across satellites

• Payload requirements drive requirements for bus systems and subsystems

When are sensors and instruments for detecting electromagnetic radiation designed?

• During payload design

• After payload design and before bus design

• During development of the bus subsystems

Which of the following are requirements for the bus? Select all that apply.

• Support the mass of the various subcomponents

• Store samples from space (e.g., gases or asteroid samples)

• Survive the harsh environment of outer space

• House the components

Which of the following statements are true? Select all that apply.

• Observation payloads that capture high resolution images typically do not store data on the satellite

• There may be limited onboard processing or storage with basic UHF satellite communication payloads

• On-orbit infrared remote sensing payloads require cooling to low temperatures

The system engineers conduct design trades through an iterative process. Which of the following would be an example of this process?

• The payload design calls for 5 telescope lenses, which is reduced to 2 due to mass considerations

• • An exquisite thermal control measure is specified, even though it exceeds the mass allowed for power generation

• The engineers select a 3m antenna for sending and receiving data at high rates

The goal of the design cycle is to develop the perfect design, given the time a satellite is on orbit and the costs involved.

• • Actually, the goal of satellite design is to produce a workable solution that meets requirements and is manufacturable

• • That's right. Given the sophistication of satellite technology, system engineering teams are increasingly able to hit this mark

• • Actually, with our increasing capacity to perform on-orbit repairs, errors are less important

System engineers are responsible for verifying and validating that their design meets the stated mission requirements.

• • Actually, the program manager does that, working alongside the customer

• • Actually, the manufacturing team does that

• • Yes, it is the responsibility of the system engineers to perform this verification and validation

What are common design specifications for remote sensing payloads?

• Image resolution, frequency selection, pointing angles, and data storage

• Image resolution, data storage, revisit rates, specific impulse

• Frequency selection, pointing angles, active thermal control, transmitter power

Name one key factor to consider when designing communications payloads.

• Position, navigation, and timing

• Meeting scientific requirements

• Ensuring that the communications link functions

What do PNT payloads provide to the user?

• Position, noise estimation, and transmitter power

• Position, navigation, and timing data

• Proximity, navigation, and transmissions