Understanding the Space Shuttle Program

What was the primary goal of NASA when commissioning the Space Shuttle?

• To explore Mars

• To increase the number of manned missions

• To reduce the cost of spaceflight

• To compete with the Soviet space program

What are the three main components of the Space Shuttle?

• Orbiter, external tank, solid rocket boosters

• Orbiter, fuel cells, cargo bay

• Main engine, thrusters, control module

• Cockpit, wings, tail section

Which part of the Space Shuttle was not reusable?

• All were reusable

• Orbiter

• External tank

• Solid rocket boosters

What was the purpose of the external tank in the Space Shuttle?

• To enhance the aerodynamics during launch

• To supply fuel and oxidizer to the orbiter's engines

• To store cargo and satellites

• To provide living quarters for astronauts

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Which Space Shuttle was the first to orbit the Earth?

• Challenger

• Discovery

• Columbia

• Endeavour

What tragic event occurred with the Challenger Space Shuttle?

• It never launched

• It crashed during landing

• It disintegrated on re-entry

• It broke apart 73 seconds into flight

How many times did the Columbia orbiter circle the Earth on its first mission?

• 24 times

• 12 times

• 50 times

• 37 times

What was the Endeavour Space Shuttle built from?

• Newly designed parts

• Imported technology

• Recycled materials

• Spare parts from older shuttles

What was the final mission of the Space Shuttle program?

• In 2011

• In 2005

• In 2015

• In 2000

How much did each Space Shuttle launch approximately cost?

• $300 million to $2 billion

• $450 million to $1.5 billion

• $100 million to $500 million

• $200 million to $1 billion

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