Space Exploration

Planets are constantly moving. In fact, the name planet means "wanderer". What force(s) is responsible for the constant movement of the planets in our solar system?

• friction

• inertia only

• gravity only

• inertia and gravity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

__________ __________ is the investigation of physical conditions in space and on stars, planets, and other celestial bodies through the use of satellites, space probes, or spacecraft with human crews.

• Space shuttle

• Space probing

• Space Exploration

• None of the above

The space shuttle carries astronauts back and forth between Earth and the International Space Station in orbit around our planet. What feature is necessary for the space shuttle to perform its function? The space shuttle must have -

• sufficient mass to provide gravity equal to that of Earth.

• powerful engines to escape the pull of Earth's gravity.

• enough food for the astronauts to eat for several years.

• adequate space in which the astronauts can float freely.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

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 Cassini spacecraft able to take pictures of the 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 differences at the great distance.

The diagram shows a type of space equipment. What is the most likely function of this piece of space equipment?

• To take photographs of distant galaxies and stars

• To provide a place for astronauts to live in space

• To launch space probes or other spacecraft

• To shield Earth from the effects of radiation

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

• Microscope

• Telescope

• Camera

• Hand lens

This diagram provides some important dates in the history of space exploration as it relates to the Moon. 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 - 1965

• Between 1965 - 1969

• Sometime after 1969

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?

• 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.

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.