Centaur missile explodes on maiden voyage

The Centaur rocket, delayed by nearly a year due to its liquid hydrogen fuel, was set for its maiden flight from Cape Canaveral. The mission aimed to test the performance of the hydrogen fuel, with the Centaur designed to carry significant payloads to the Moon or Mars. The launch initially proceeded smoothly, but a malfunction occurred, causing an explosion. The cause was unknown, but if linked to the Atlas booster, it could delay future U.S. orbital flights. Despite the setback, scientists view failures as progress in the space race.

What was the main reason for the delay in the Centaur rocket's launch?

• Problems with the liquid hydrogen fuel

• Scheduling conflicts with other launches

• Weather conditions at Cape Canaveral

• Technical issues with the Atlas rocket

What is the primary purpose of the Centaur's maiden flight?

• To test new communication systems

• To conduct a manned mission

• To deliver a payload to the Moon

• To test the performance of its hydrogen fuel

What payload capacity does the Centaur have for missions to Mars or Venus?

• Two tons

• Five hundred pounds

• A thousand pounds

• More than a ton

At what altitude did the Centaur experience a malfunction?

• 10,000 feet

• 20,000 feet

• 30,000 feet

• 40,000 feet

How do scientists view failures in space missions?

• As setbacks that should be avoided

• As opportunities for learning and progress

• As unavoidable and unimportant

• As reasons to halt future missions