System 101 Question Set 3

What is the most significant risk posed by space debris to operational satellites?

• Interference with signals
• Physical collision damage
• Orbital path disruption
• Solar panel degradation

Answer explanation

Space debris can collide with operational satellites, causing significant damage or even complete destruction.

What happens to satellites at the end of their operational life?

• They are incinerated in Earth's atmosphere
• They remain in their operational orbit indefinitely
• They are deorbited or moved to a graveyard orbit
• They are retrieved by space missions

Answer explanation

Satellites are typically deorbited or moved to a graveyard orbit at the end of their mission to reduce space debris.

What term describes the process of a satellite gradually losing altitude due to atmospheric drag?

• Orbital inclination
• Orbital precession
• Orbital decay
• Orbital insertion

Answer explanation

Orbital decay refers to the gradual loss of altitude experienced by satellites due to atmospheric drag.

Which satellite system component is essential for communication with ground stations?

• Power subsystem
• Thermal control system
• Telemetry and command subsystem
• Thrusters

Answer explanation

The telemetry and command subsystem is responsible for communicating with ground stations, receiving commands, and sending data.

Which space weather event can most significantly affect satellite operations?

• Cosmic ray showers
• Solar flares
• Lunar eclipses
• Meteor showers

Answer explanation

Solar flares can produce intense radiation that disrupts satellite electronics and communication systems.

What is the primary advantage of CubeSats in space missions?

• High power output
• Large payload capacity
• Low cost and rapid deployment
• Long mission lifespan

Answer explanation

CubeSats are small, low-cost satellites that can be quickly deployed for a variety of missions, making them ideal for research and education.

How do satellites in polar orbits cover the entire surface of the Earth?

• By remaining stationary over the poles
• By crossing over the poles on each orbit
• By maintaining a high-altitude orbit
• By following the Earth's equator

Answer explanation

Satellites in polar orbits pass over the poles, allowing them to eventually cover the entire Earth as the planet rotates beneath them.

Which type of satellite is most commonly used for GPS services?

• Geostationary satellites
• Medium Earth orbit satellites
• Low Earth orbit satellites
• Polar orbit satellites

Answer explanation

GPS satellites typically operate in medium Earth orbit, providing global navigation services.

What is the primary benefit of satellite redundancy in critical missions?

• Faster data transmission
• Longer mission duration
• Backup capability in case of failure
• Higher resolution imaging

Answer explanation

Redundancy ensures that if one satellite fails, others can continue the mission, providing increased reliability.

What is a "space tug" in satellite operations?

• A vehicle used to retrieve satellites
• A spacecraft that moves satellites to different orbits
• A satellite used to observe space debris
• A system to refuel satellites in orbit

Answer explanation

Space tugs are spacecraft designed to reposition satellites or move them to new orbits, helping with satellite servicing or disposal.