Space Exploration

Pictures taken by the Cassini spacecraft show that the rings surrounding Saturn have dark and light bands. Until these pictures were taken, scientists on Earth did not know about this difference in color. Why was the Cassinispacecraft able to take pictures ofthe dark and light bands in Saturn’s rings while they are not visible from Earth?

• The rings around Saturn are covered by thick, dark clouds made of toxic gases.

• Bright sunlight makes it difficult to see colors the farther it travels in the solar system.

• The differences between the light and dark bands are the result of minerals not found on Earth.

• Telescopes on Earth are not powerful enough to see these difference at such a great distance.

Probes are sometimes sent into space. Some have been sent to orbit planets. Landing on a planet, however, is necessary to gather what kind of data?

• Taking photographs

• Measuring diameter

• Collecting soil samples

• Determining temperature of atmosphere

Curiosity is an unmanned robot vehicle that is exploring the surface of Mars. It was launched by NASA on November 26, 2011, and it landed on Mars on August 5, 2012. According to NASA, its mission is to see if Mars ever could have supported small life forms called microbes and if humans could survive there someday. It is important that during Curiosity’s time on Mars, it must be able to do which of the following?

• Take measurements and collect data for Earth

• Provide adequate space for astronauts to live

• Shield Earth from the Suns radiation

• Launch space probes or other spacecraft

Many telescopes have been launched into orbit around Earth or sent out into deep space. What is an advantage of using these telescopes rather than an Earth-bound telescope to gather images?

• Telescopes launched into space are usually smaller than the ones found on Earth.

• The images are usually clearer, because they do not have to look through our atmosphere.

• It is easier for scientists to make adjustments to an orbiting telescope than to a fixed telescope.

• Orbiting telescopes usually last longer, because it is cold in deep space.

Due to continued technological improvements, great advances in knowledge have been gained about the solar system and the stars beyond. Which of the following was the earliest technology that allowed humans to gather information about remote objects in space?

• Space shuttle

• Telescope

• Microscope

• Thermometer

An astronauts space suit contains many different parts. Each part plays a crucial role in the astronauts survival, and all the parts must fit together perfectly. Which of the following is NOT a crucial element in space suit technologies?

• Allows astronauts to see further into space

• Protects astronauts from harmful radiation

• Protects astronauts from variations in pressure

• Helps the astronaut regulate temperature

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The space exploration industry has a positive effect on Floridas economy in many ways, including creating an increase in which of the following?

• Unemployment

• Fishing

• Tourism

• Prices

Which of the following contributed most to generate higher paying jobs, an increase in tourism, and new product development?

• Hurricane and weather research

• Space research and exploration

• Conservation of the coast

• Fish and wildlife research

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Space exploration has many positive effects for Florida. Gabriella's parents both work as accountants for a company that works with engineers working in the space industry. This is an example of an economic benefit in what area?

• Tourism

• Medicine

• Government

• Employment

Space research and exploration has what benefit for the economy of Florida?

• Increases the number of people who visit Florida

• Decreases the amount of farmland

• Decreases the number of available homes

• Increases travel times on interstate highways