New Horizons Spacecraft Overview

The New Horizons mission, led by elite space scientists, aims to explore Pluto. Launched in 2006, it became the fastest man-made object, passing Jupiter in 2007. The mission tested its cameras on Jupiter, capturing volcanic eruptions. As it approaches Pluto, the spacecraft travels at 9 miles per second, unable to land but will capture critical data in a brief encounter. Mission Control navigates using star maps, similar to ancient sailors, ensuring precise positioning for data collection.

Who is the mission leader of the New Horizons project?

• Gabe Rogers

• Alan Stern

• Fran Bagenal

• Halla Weaver

In what year did the New Horizons spacecraft launch?

• 2010

• 2008

• 2006

• 2004

What significant event coincided with New Horizons passing Jupiter?

• Invention of the electric car

• First human on Mars

• Discovery of a new planet

• Launch of the first iPhone

How fast is the New Horizons spacecraft traveling?

• 15 miles per second

• 9 miles per second

• 20 miles per second

• 5 miles per second

What is the size of the New Horizons spacecraft compared to?

• A football field

• A skyscraper

• A grand piano

• A small car

What is the main objective during the encounter with Pluto?

• To take photographs and measurements

• To collect samples

• To orbit Pluto

• To land on Pluto

How long does the encounter with Pluto last?

• Less than an hour

• Less than two hours

• Less than a day

• Less than a week

What tool is used to navigate the spacecraft in space?

• A radar

• A sextant

• A telescope

• A compass

What method is used to determine the spacecraft's position relative to Pluto?

• Using solar flares

• Using Pluto's gravity

• Using surrounding stars

• Using Earth's magnetic field

How fast is the spacecraft approaching Pluto?

• Half a million miles a day

• Three million miles a day

• A million miles a day

• Two million miles a day