Space 100 Test #1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the space capabilities according to JP 3-14?

Space Control

ISR

Environmental Monitoring

All of the above (correct)

What are the three segments of a space system?

Space, ground, link

What is space power?

Space superiority

What are the joint functions?

Command and control, intelligence, fires, movement and maneuver, protection, sustainment and information Signup and view all the answers

What are some problems with the vacuum of space?

Heat transfer and thermal control, solar ultraviolet degradation, self-contamination (outgassing), and cold welding Signup and view all the answers

What are some problems with the natural environment of space?

Atomic oxygen corrosion, physical sputtering, spacecraft glow, drag due to atmosphere, arcing, increased currents, ion drag and ion sputtering Signup and view all the answers

What are some problems with the radiation environment of space?

Solar cell degradation, degradation of electronics and materials, single event phenomena, solar radiation pressure, solar flares and coronal mass ejections Signup and view all the answers

What are some problems with micro-meteoroids and orbital debris in space?

Increased potential for impact with other objects, creating more debris Signup and view all the answers

What are some techniques to minimize impacts on the spacecraft and what are the tradeoffs?

Material selection, margin, material pre-treatment, flight and ground operations, configuration, coatings, radiation shielding, redundancy, orientation and orbit. Tradeoffs in schedule, cost and performance. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two national space environmental agencies and what products do they provide?

Space Weather Prediction Center and 557 Weather Wing. They provide rapid event warning, short/long range forecast and post analysis anomaly assessments. Signup and view all the answers

What are Kepler's three laws?

<ol> <li>The orbit of a planet about the sun is an ellipse with the sun at one focus. 2. A line joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal intervals of time. 3. The square of a planet's sidereal orbital period is proportional to the cube of the length of its orbit's semi-major axis.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are Newton's three laws?

<ol> <li>Every object in a state of uniform motion will remain in that state of motion unless an external force acts on it. 2. Force equals mass times acceleration (F=ma). 3. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Total energy is a combination of what two types of energy?

Total energy = potential energy + kinetic energy Signup and view all the answers

What are the six classical orbital elements?

<ol> <li>Semi major axis - size 2. Eccentricity - shape 3. Inclination - tilt 4. Right ascension of ascending node - twist 5. Argument of perigee - rotation 6. True anomaly - location</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the J2 effect?

Precession of the ascending node and rotation of perigee due to earth oblateness (odd shape) Signup and view all the answers

Assuming a prograde orbit, what direction does the ground track move?

With the rotation of earth Signup and view all the answers

Why is the latitude of a launch location important?

It has an effect on the inclination of the orbit. Signup and view all the answers

In order to take advantage of the earth's rotation during a launch, what direction is the best to launch in?

East Signup and view all the answers

Why are launch windows important?

In order to intercept an object or place in a specific orbit. Signup and view all the answers

What is special about a LEO sun synchronous orbit and what type of mission would you expect to see in this orbit?

90-120 min periods, limited coverage with short dwell time over target/ground station. Manned (ISS), communication constellations and observation/imagery. Signup and view all the answers

What is special about a semi-synchronous orbit and what type of mission would you expect to see in this orbit?

12 hr period with repeating ground track. PNT (GPS). Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of a highly elliptical/semi-synchronous 'molniya' orbit and what type of mission would you expect to see in this orbit?

Long dwell time (8 hrs of a 12 hr orbit) with max coverage at high altitudes. Remote sending (OPIR) and communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of a GEO orbit and what type of mission would you expect to see in this orbit?

Constant viewing, broad coverage and large footprint. Communication (DSCS), missile warning, weather. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between field of view and field of regard?

Field of regard is the total area that can be captured and field of view is an angular cone perceived within that area at a particular instant in time. Signup and view all the answers

Why should we maneuver a satellite and what are the types of maneuvers?

In order to rendezvous, change orbits, de-orbit, or change orbital plane using in-plane, out-of-plane, combined plane change or co-orbital rendezvous. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a maneuvering satellite's actions for a co-orbital rendezvous maneuver.

Slow down to catch up. Signup and view all the answers

What are the basics of international law?

International agreements (treaties) and customary international law. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the freedom principle of the outer space treaty.

Outer space, moon and other celestial objects are free for anyone to explore and/or use. Signup and view all the answers

Does the outer space treaty ban weapons in space?

False Signup and view all the answers

Name the two domestic laws related to space.

Title 10 and Title 50. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three space sectors IAW the national space policy?

National security space, civil and commercial. Signup and view all the answers

The national security space sector is made up of what two departments/divisions?

Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary missions of the five different space wings?

<ol> <li>Ground based missile warning 2. Space surveillance 3. Space control 4. Space lift 5. Satellite operations.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What JP 3-14 mission areas does SMDC/ARSTRAT support?

SATCOM, satellite operations, missile warning, and missile defense. Signup and view all the answers

What JP 3-14 mission area does the Navy support?

Operates all UHF communication satellites. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the FAA have in space?

License all launches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the CDO environment?

Drives forces to identify and compensate for dynamics such as enemy actions, friendly capability limitations and operational constraints. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of contested?

Limitations caused by adversary capability and/or actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of degraded?

Limitations caused by degradation due to system malfunction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of operationally limited?

Limitations caused by physical or operational constraints that do not fall under contested or degraded elements. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correlation of the '3 C's' to CDO?

Congested - operationally limited, degraded; Contested - contested; Competitive - contested, operationally degraded. Signup and view all the answers

Who originally has space coordinating authority and to whom is it usually delegated?

USSTRATCOM to JFSCC, Geographic COCOM to JFC to DS4. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the director of space forces (DS4)?

Senior Air Force space officer. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the strategy/plans division.

Creates planning and course of actions to support JFSCC objectives. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the ISR division.

Provides space intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the combat operations division.

Executes current tasking orders as approved by JFSCC. Constant monitoring of effects. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the national space defense center (NSDC).

Joint and interagency center responsible for maintaining freedom of action in space. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four components to the spacelift mission?

Deploy, sustain, augment, reconstitute. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the eastern range and what types of orbits is it used for?

Patrick AFB, Florida. Highly inclined orbits, equatorial orbits, and SLBM corridor. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the western range and what types of orbits is it used for?

Vandenberg AFB, California. Polar orbits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the NSSL launch program?

Reduce launch cost, standardize operations and reduce vehicle processing times. Signup and view all the answers

What organizations are responsible for the NSSL?

United Launch Alliance (Lockheed Martin and Boeing) and Space X. Signup and view all the answers

What lift vehicles are considered DoD launch certified?

Atlas V, Delta IV, Falcon 9. Signup and view all the answers

Which space lift vehicle relies on the Russian-made RD-180 engine?

Atlas V. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'white tail' concept mean?

Launch vehicles remain generic to a specific mission as long as possible to enable mission overbooking and allow for max flexibility to ensure all launch slots are utilized. Signup and view all the answers

What agencies are responsible for US launch operations?

AFSPC and 14th AF. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the launch forecasting process?

Plan launches 7 years out. Signup and view all the answers

What country/organization historically is the world leader in commercial launch revenue?

Russia and European Space Agency. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Space Capabilities

Key space capabilities include situational awareness, space control, positioning/navigation/timing, ISR, SATCOM, environmental monitoring, missile warning, nuclear detonation detection (NUDET), spacelift, and satellite operations.

Space System Segments

A space system consists of three segments: space, ground, and link.

Space Power

Space superiority allows a force to conduct operations free from interference by terrestrial or space-based threats.

Joint Functions

Joint functions incorporate command and control, intelligence, fires, movement and maneuver, protection, sustainment, and information.

Vacuum of Space Challenges

Challenges include heat transfer, thermal control issues, solar UV degradation, self-contamination (outgassing), and cold welding.

Natural Environment of Space

Problems include atomic oxygen corrosion, physical sputtering, spacecraft glow, drag from residual atmosphere, arcing, ion drag, and increased currents.

Radiation Environment of Space

Concerns involve solar cell and electronic material degradation, single event phenomena, solar radiation pressure, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections.

Micro-Meteoroids and Orbital Debris

Risks include heightened potential for impacts with other objects, which can generate more debris.

Scintillation Problems

Results in UHF SATCOM outages and vulnerabilities in GPS navigation.

Minimizing Spacecraft Impacts

Techniques include material selection, configuration, radiation shielding, redundancy, and orientation. There are trade-offs in schedule, cost, and performance.

National Space Environmental Agencies

The Space Weather Prediction Center and 557 Weather Wing provide event warnings, forecasts, and anomaly assessments.

Kepler's Laws

Describe planetary motion, focusing on elliptical orbits, the equal area sweep in space, and the relationship of orbital period to semi-major axis length.

Newton's Laws

Include inertia of motion, the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration (F=ma), and the principle of action and reaction.

Total Energy Equation

Total energy consists of potential energy plus kinetic energy.

Classical Orbital Elements

Includes size (semi-major axis), shape (eccentricity), tilt (inclination), twist (right ascension), rotation (argument of perigee), and location (true anomaly).

J2 Effect

Determines the precession of the ascending node and rotation of perigee due to Earth’s oblateness.

Ground Track Direction

In prograde orbits, the ground track moves in the direction of Earth's rotation.

Launch Location Latitude

Influences orbital inclination.

Optimal Launch Direction

Launching east capitalizes on Earth's rotational speed.

Import of Launch Windows

Necessary for intercepting objects or achieving specific orbital placements.

LEO Sun-Synchronous Orbit

Characterized by ~90-120 min periods, supporting ISS, communication constellations, and observation missions.

Semi-Synchronous Orbit

Features a 12-hour period and repeating ground tracks, commonly used for GPS.

Highly Elliptical "Molniya" Orbit

Offers long dwell times for remote sensing and communications.

GEO Orbit Benefits

Provides constant viewing and broad coverage, essential for communications and weather monitoring.

Field of View vs. Field of Regard

Field of regard is the overall area captured, while field of view is the angular perception within that area at a specific moment.

Satellite Maneuvers

Necessary for rendezvous, orbit changes, de-orbiting, or altering orbital planes with in-plane, out-of-plane, and combined maneuvers.

Co-Orbital Rendezvous Actions

Involves slowing down to align with the target.

International Law Basics

Governed by treaties and customary international law.

Outer Space Treaty Freedom Principle

Outer space and celestial bodies are open for exploration and use by all.

Outer Space Treaty and Weapons

Does not prohibit the placement of weapons in space.

Domestic Space Laws

Title 10 and Title 50 govern national space operations.

National Space Policy Sectors

Divided into national security space, civil space, and commercial space sectors.

National Security Space Departments

Managed by Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) and Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Space Wing Primary Missions

Include missile warning, space surveillance, space control, spacelift, and satellite operations.

SMDC/ARSTRAT Support

Supports SATCOM, satellite operations, missile warning, and missile defense.

Navy's JP 3-14 Mission Area

Operates all UHF communication satellites.

FAA's Role in Space

Licenses all space launches.

CDO Environment Importance

Essential for adapting to enemy actions, friendly limitations, and operational constraints.

Definitions of Contest and Degradation

Contested implies limitations from adversary capabilities; degraded refers to limitations due to system malfunctions.

Operationally Limited Definition

Constraints from physical or operational factors that don't fit contested or degraded categories.

Correlation of "3 C's" to CDO

Congested relates to operational limitations; contested indicates forms of limitation; competitive combines both concepts.

Space Coordinating Authority

Originally held by USSTRATCOM, typically delegated to Joint Force Space Component Commander (JFSCC) and Geographic COCOM.

Director of Space Forces (DS4)

A senior Air Force officer in charge of space operational matters.

Strategy/Plans Division Role

Develops plans aligning with JFSCC objectives.

ISR Division Function

Provides intelligence related to space operations.

Combat Operations Division Role

Executes task orders and monitors operational effects.

National Space Defense Center (NSDC)

Joint center maintaining operational independence in space.

Spacelift Mission Components

Include deploy, sustain, augment, and reconstitute.

Eastern Range Location and Orbits

Located at Patrick AFB, Florida; supports highly inclined, equatorial, and SLBM corridor orbits.

Western Range Location and Orbits

Based at Vandenberg AFB, California; primarily for polar orbits.

NSSL Launch Program Purpose

Aims to decrease launch costs, standardize operations, and minimize processing times.

NSSL Responsibilities

Managed by United Launch Alliance (Lockheed Martin and Boeing) and SpaceX.

DoD Launch Certified Vehicles

Include Atlas V, Delta IV, and Falcon 9.

Atlas V Engine Dependency

Utilizes the Russian-made RD-180 engine.

"White Tail" Concept

Allows launch vehicles to remain generic to facilitate mission overbooking and operational flexibility.

US Launch Operations Authorities

Managed by AFSPC and 14th Air Force.

Launch Forecasting Purpose

Plans launches up to seven years in advance.

Global Leader in Commercial Launch Revenue

Historically, Russia and the European Space Agency lead in commercial launch earnings.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of key concepts in space operations and capabilities. It covers topics such as space power, segments of a space system, and various aspects of satellite operations. Perfect for those looking to strengthen their understanding of space systems.