Space Exploration

What science tool advanced space exploration by allowing humans to see better and farther into space?

• Microscope

• Telescope

• Camera

• Hand lens

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The International Space Station is a huge science laboratory that orbits Earth every 92 minutes. Experiments on board the International Space Station can help scientists learn ______________

• why Earth rotates on its axis every day.

• what substances are found in moon dust.

• when the first green plants appeared on Earth.

• how to solve problems of living in space.

After scientists had a clear picture of the surface of the Moon, they landed an unmanned craft before risking human life. The Soviets landed the first unmanned craft on the Moon, named Luna 9. Which of the following is the most reasonable time period for this mission to have taken place?

• Sometime before 1959

• Between 1959 and 1965

• Between 1965 and 1969

• Sometime after 1969

What is an important requirement for a manned spacecraft traveling through space?

• A supply of oxygen for the astronauts.

• The ability to create its own gravity.

• Bright lights to see where it’s going.

• A device for growing food for humans.

A tether is a rope-like device that attaches an astronaut to a space vehicle during the time spent outside on a spacewalk. Why is a tether necessary for a spacewalk?

• Strong solar winds would blow the astronaut away from the vehicle otherwise.

• Astronauts must remain close to the vehicle to obtain the heat it provides.

• Without a tether, astronauts would float away due to the lack of gravity in space.

• Tethers add just enough weight to the astronaut to keep them in orbit.

Which of the following is the first challenge that had to be overcome by rockets in order for humans to explore space? First, rockets needed ________________

• a place in which the astronauts could sit.

• a way to return to Earth’s surface.

• enough thrust to overcome Earth’s gravity.

• landing gear that worked on another planet.

With our current technology, travel to the closest star in another solar system is not possible for a human crew due to what limitation?

• Inability to store food and water for long periods of time.

• Lack of data about the many objects found in space.

• Absence of light and energy in the far reaches of space.

• Relatively short human life spans and slow travel speeds.

What is the most important function of a space suit like the ones astronauts wear when walking in space?

• To give the astronaut freedom of movement in space.

• To provide oxygen and protection from radiation.

• To make it easy to get in and out of the International Space Station.

• To help the astronaut perform experiments in space.

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 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 a fixed telescope

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

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Space probes are unmanned spacecraft that have helped scientists gather more detailed information about the universe and objects in our solar system. Space probes send back all of the following EXCEPT

• soil and rocks from the surfaces of planets and moons.

• information about a planet’s surface and atmosphere.

• photographs of distant stars and space objects.

• data about the effects of solar winds on planets.