Rocket Science and Satellites Quiz

In space, there is no friction, so objects keep their initial speed and direction forever. This means that spacecraft cannot move without an external force.

To change the trajectory of a spacecraft in space, you need to change its mass. This is done by using Newton's Third Law of Motion.

The path a spacecraft takes in space is called a free fall trajectory. Because of the lack of friction, these trajectories are conic.

Kerbal Space Program is a video game that simulates space exploration and allows players to build rockets and spacecraft.

In space, spacecraft maneuvers are controlled by changing the mass of the spacecraft. This is done by expelling fuel, which provides thrust.

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This law explains how spacecraft can move in space by expelling fuel.

The concept of "no friction in space" means that objects in space will continue moving at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.

Satellites are objects that orbit a celestial body, like Earth. They are often used for communication, navigation, and research.

Launching a rocket eastward from the equator takes advantage of the Earth's rotation, providing additional velocity for the spacecraft.

The total change in velocity a rocket achieves, calculated by adding up the individual changes in velocity from each stage.

A rocket design where stages are stacked on top of each other, with the lower stage separating once its fuel is depleted.

A rocket design where multiple engines are attached side-by-side, providing more thrust.

The moment when a stage of a rocket is jettisoned, usually after all its propellant has been consumed. This reduces the overall mass of the rocket, improving its efficiency.

The mass of the payload (satellite, spacecraft, etc.) that is being carried into space.

The mass of the fuel used to propel the rocket.

The structural components of the rocket, including the frame, engines, and other supporting parts.

A type of nozzle that accelerates gas to supersonic speeds by narrowing and then widening the nozzle.

The point in the nozzle where the gas flow reaches Mach 1 (the speed of sound).

A nozzle where the exhaust pressure equals the ambient atmospheric pressure.

A nozzle where the exhaust pressure is lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure.

A nozzle where the exhaust pressure is higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure.

The efficiency of a nozzle is at its maximum when the exhaust pressure matches the ambient pressure.

A nozzle where the flow is subsonic (Mach < 1).

A nozzle where the flow is supersonic (Mach > 1).

A type of rocket design where multiple stages are stacked on top of each other. Each stage ignites after the previous one is exhausted, adding to the overall velocity.

The change in velocity (speed and direction) gained by a rocket stage due to its engine firing.

In a serial rocket design, the ∆V contributions from each stage add up to achieve the desired overall velocity.

The main structure of a rocket, providing support for all components and withstanding the stresses of launch and flight.

Part of the rocket responsible for generating thrust, consisting of fuel tanks, engines, and other components.

The pressure that pushes out the gas through the nozzle, which is generated by burning fuel and oxidizer in a rocket. This creates thrust.

Burning fuel and an oxidizer inside the rocket engine to produce hot exhaust gas, which creates thrust. This is necessary because there is no oxygen in space.

Rockets and jet/turbofan engines both use pressure gradient force for thrust. However, rocket engines use fuel and oxidizer, while jet engines use oxygen from the air.

Combines liquid fuel and oxidizer, pumped into a combustion chamber, creating high thrust and enabling reusability.

Combines a liquid or gaseous oxidizer with a solid fuel grain. Offers simplicity, storability and cost effectiveness.

A measure of a rocket engine's efficiency, representing the thrust per unit of propellant consumed.

Liquid rocket engines can be throttled (adjusted) to control thrust based on mission requirements.

The ability of the engine to be restarted after a period of inactivity, useful for multiple burns.

A type of rocket engine that uses a solid fuel and oxidizer mixture to generate thrust.

A chemical reaction in which the reactants are combusted, producing hot gases that are then expelled through a nozzle, creating thrust.

The burning process inside a rocket engine, where the fuel and oxidizer react, creating hot gas.

The increase in pressure and temperature within a rocket engine's combustion chamber as the fuel burns.

The increase in velocity of the hot gases as they are expelled through the engine's nozzle.

High thrust capability, typically used for the initial stages of a rocket launch, meaning it can generate a lot of force.

Long storage times, meaning they can be kept ready for use for a long time.

Relatively few moving parts, meaning they are simpler to design and build.