Understanding the Journey to the International Space Station

Destin from Smarter Every Day explores the journey to the International Space Station (ISS) with astronaut Scott Kelly, who is preparing for a year-long mission. The video delves into the complexities of space travel, including orbital mechanics and docking procedures, with insights from Reid Wiseman. The goal is to educate viewers on the science behind space missions and encourage engagement with Scott Kelly's social media as he becomes a living science experiment on the ISS.

What is the first step in traveling to the International Space Station?

• Taking a commercial flight to space

• Getting on a Soyuz rocket in Russia

• Flying directly from the ISS

• Boarding a shuttle in the United States

What is the main goal of Scott Kelly's year-long mission on the ISS?

• To explore the Moon

• To test new space suits

• To prepare for a mission to Mars

• To conduct experiments on Earth

Which of the following is a concern for astronauts during long-duration space missions?

• Lack of sunlight

• Excessive gravity

• Overheating

• Bone and muscle loss

What is a Hohmann Transfer used for in space travel?

• To communicate with Earth

• To change orbits between two circular paths

• To launch a rocket

• To land on the Moon

How many burns are involved in the Soyuz's journey to the ISS?

• Nine

• Seven

• Five

• Three

What is the purpose of the phasing orbit in the journey to the ISS?

• To avoid space debris

• To catch up with the ISS

• To slow down the spacecraft

• To communicate with mission control

What maneuver is performed to align the Soyuz with the ISS for docking?

• A direct approach

• A vertical descent

• A spiral ascent

• A U-turn in space

How long does the docking process with the ISS typically take?

• 2 hours

• 1 hour

• 30 minutes

• 10 minutes

Why is it important to dock gently with the ISS?

• To prevent damage to both structures

• To save fuel

• To avoid waking the crew

• To maintain communication

What is the final step before docking with the ISS?

• Releasing the booster

• Increasing speed

• Performing a braking burn

• Activating the landing gear