Gravity assist, or gravity slingshot, is used to:
A. Increase a spacecraft’s velocity by using the gravity of a planet or moon
B. Decrease a spacecraft’s velocity by using atmospheric drag
C. Change the spacecraft’s direction without changing its speed
D. Achieve a stable orbit around a central body
(Answer: A)
The primary purpose of a gravity assist maneuver is to:
A. Increase the spacecraft’s energy and speed
B. Slow down the spacecraft for orbital insertion
C. Change the spacecraft’s orientation
D. Stabilize the spacecraft’s orbit
(Answer: A)
A gravity assist maneuver requires the spacecraft to:
A. Fly close to a planet or moon to gain speed
B. Use a rocket engine to increase its velocity
C. Enter a stable orbit around the planet
D. Perform a high-speed burn at periapsis
(Answer: A)
The trajectory of a spacecraft during a gravity assist is:
A. An elongated path influenced by the planet’s gravity
B. A circular path around the planet
C. A straight line away from the planet
D. A constant orbit around the spacecraft’s initial position
(Answer: A)
The effectiveness of a gravity assist depends on:
A. The relative velocity of the spacecraft and the planet
B. The mass of the spacecraft
C. The distance between the spacecraft and the planet’s surface
D. The spacecraft’s initial velocity
(Answer: A)
When a spacecraft performs a gravity assist, it:
A. Gains kinetic energy from the planet’s gravity
B. Loses energy to the planet’s atmosphere
C. Gains gravitational potential energy only
D. Loses gravitational potential energy
(Answer: A)
The direction of velocity change during a gravity assist is determined by:
A. The spacecraft’s approach and departure angles relative to the planet
B. The spacecraft’s propulsion system
C. The central body’s rotation speed
D. The spacecraft’s altitude
(Answer: A)
A gravity assist maneuver can be used to:
A. Redirect a spacecraft’s path to another celestial body
B. Slow down a spacecraft for orbital insertion
C. Achieve a stable orbit around the Sun
D. Change the spacecraft’s orientation in space
(Answer: A)
The Hohmann transfer orbit is commonly used for:
A. Interplanetary missions with minimal energy expenditure
B. In-orbit maneuvers to adjust spacecraft orientation
C. Rapid acceleration in low-Earth orbit
D. Directly reaching a high-speed orbit
(Answer: A)
Interplanetary travel involves:
A. Traveling between planets within a solar system
B. Traveling to and from the Moon
C. Achieving a stable orbit around a star
D. Moving between different galaxies
(Answer: A)
The Delta-v required for interplanetary travel is:
A. The total change in velocity needed to achieve the mission objectives
B. The velocity needed to enter a circular orbit
C. The difference between escape velocity and orbital velocity
D. The velocity of the spacecraft relative to Earth
(Answer: A)
A typical interplanetary mission involves:
A. A series of gravity assists and trajectory adjustments
B. Constant velocity throughout the mission
C. Direct propulsion to the target planet
D. Only low-orbit maneuvers
(Answer: A)
The concept of “escape velocity” refers to:
A. The minimum speed needed for an object to break free from a celestial body’s gravitational influence
B. The velocity required to achieve a stable orbit
C. The speed at which a spacecraft enters interplanetary space
D. The maximum speed a spacecraft can achieve in orbit
(Answer: A)
To achieve interplanetary travel, spacecraft often use:
A. Gravity assists to increase their velocity
B. High-thrust engines to accelerate quickly
C. Constant propulsion at low speeds
D. Only chemical rockets for propulsion
(Answer: A)
A “flyby” mission involves:
A. A spacecraft passing close to a planet or moon to gain data and possibly gain a gravity assist
B. A spacecraft landing on a planet and returning
C. A spacecraft remaining in orbit around a celestial body
D. A spacecraft using its propulsion to move directly to its target
(Answer: A)
The velocity change required for a gravity assist is influenced by:
A. The relative positions and velocities of the spacecraft and the planet
B. The spacecraft’s mass and propulsion system
C. The distance of the spacecraft from the Sun
D. The gravitational pull of nearby stars
(Answer: A)
The primary goal of using gravity assists in interplanetary travel is to:
A. Maximize the spacecraft’s velocity and trajectory efficiency
B. Achieve a circular orbit around a celestial body
C. Reduce the spacecraft’s velocity and energy expenditure
D. Minimize the time spent traveling between planets
(Answer: A)
The trajectory of a spacecraft during a gravity assist is shaped by:
A. The gravitational field of the planet
B. The spacecraft’s propulsion system
C. The central body’s rotation
D. The spacecraft’s initial launch angle
(Answer: A)
The “slingshot effect” in gravity assist refers to:
A. The increase in spacecraft velocity as it exits the gravitational influence of a planet
B. The decrease in velocity due to atmospheric drag
C. The effect of the spacecraft’s propulsion system on its trajectory
D. The change in the spacecraft’s orbit due to gravitational perturbations
(Answer: A)
During a gravity assist, the spacecraft’s velocity relative to the planet is:
A. A key factor in determining the outcome of the maneuver
B. Constant and unaffected by the planet’s gravity
C. Less important than the spacecraft’s mass
D. Determined solely by the spacecraft’s propulsion system
(Answer: A)
The key advantage of gravity assists in interplanetary missions is:
A. Reduced fuel consumption for trajectory changes
B. Increased fuel consumption for faster travel
C. Simplified mission planning
D. Direct propulsion to the target planet
(Answer: A)
Interplanetary travel requires precise calculations to:
A. Ensure the spacecraft arrives at the correct location and time
B. Minimize the spacecraft’s speed
C. Avoid the use of gravity assists
D. Maintain a constant orbit around the Sun
(Answer: A)
The concept of “gravity well” refers to:
A. The gravitational field of a celestial body
B. The area where the spacecraft accelerates to escape velocity
C. The point of maximum gravitational pull
D. The region where a spacecraft achieves a stable orbit
(Answer: A)
For a spacecraft to travel from Earth to Mars, it typically requires:
A. A carefully planned trajectory and gravity assists to optimize the journey
B. Continuous propulsion to maintain a constant speed
C. A direct path with no gravitational influences
D. A single engine burn for the entire trip
(Answer: A)
The “impulse” in space travel refers to:
A. The change in velocity imparted to the spacecraft by its propulsion system
B. The force of gravity acting on the spacecraft
C. The speed at which the spacecraft travels between planets
D. The energy required to enter a stable orbit
(Answer: A)
The main purpose of a “gravity assist” maneuver in deep space missions is:
A. To increase the spacecraft’s velocity and adjust its trajectory with minimal fuel consumption
B. To slow down the spacecraft for orbital insertion
C. To change the spacecraft’s orientation
D. To stabilize the spacecraft’s orbit
(Answer: A)
The trajectory adjustment during a gravity assist depends on:
A. The relative approach and departure angles of the spacecraft
B. The spacecraft’s fuel consumption
C. The central body’s mass
D. The spacecraft’s launch velocity
(Answer: A)
In interplanetary travel, “ballistic trajectory” refers to:
A. The path a spacecraft follows when no additional propulsion is applied
B. The trajectory achieved by continuous thrust
C. The orbit used for gravity assists
D. The trajectory resulting from atmospheric drag
(Answer: A)
The key to successful interplanetary missions involves:
A. Optimizing velocity changes and trajectory using gravity assists
B. Constantly adjusting propulsion systems throughout the journey
C. Maintaining a stable orbit around the central body
D. Avoiding gravity assists and focusing on direct propulsion
(Answer: A)
To achieve a successful gravity assist, the spacecraft must:
A. Approach the planet at the correct angle and velocity
B. Have a propulsion system capable of continuous thrust
C. Remain in a circular orbit around the planet
D. Travel at a constant velocity throughout the maneuver
(Answer: A)
A spacecraft’s “escape velocity” is:
A. The minimum speed required to break free from a celestial body’s gravitational influence
B. The speed needed to enter a stable orbit
C. The speed at which the spacecraft exits interplanetary space
D. The velocity required for a gravity assist maneuver
(Answer: A)
The “launch window” for interplanetary missions refers to:
A. The optimal time period when the relative positions of Earth and the target planet align for efficient travel
B. The period during which the spacecraft is in orbit around Earth
C. The time required for gravity assists to take effect
D. The duration of the spacecraft’s propulsion burn
(Answer: A)
Gravity assists are particularly useful for:
A. Increasing spacecraft speed and changing trajectories without additional fuel
B. Achieving stable orbits around celestial bodies
C. Maintaining a constant velocity throughout the mission
D. Reducing the spacecraft’s altitude
(Answer: A)
To maximize the effectiveness of a gravity assist, mission planners must:
A. Carefully calculate the spacecraft’s approach and departure trajectories
B. Constantly adjust the spacecraft’s propulsion system
C. Avoid using gravity assists and rely solely on fuel
D. Focus on achieving a stable orbit around the target planet
(Answer: A)
In interplanetary travel, “transfer orbits” are used to:
A. Move a spacecraft between different celestial bodies with minimal energy expenditure
B. Change the spacecraft’s velocity in orbit
C. Stabilize the spacecraft’s trajectory
D. Maintain a constant orbit around the central body
(Answer: A)
The term “gravity well” describes:
A. The gravitational field that affects a spacecraft’s trajectory
B. The point where a spacecraft achieves escape velocity
C. The area around a spacecraft’s propulsion system
D. The region where interplanetary travel begins
(Answer: A)
In a gravity assist maneuver, the spacecraft’s trajectory is influenced by:
A. The planet’s gravity and the spacecraft’s approach angle
B. The spacecraft’s propulsion system
C. The central body’s magnetic field
D. The spacecraft’s launch speed
(Answer: A)
A spacecraft’s velocity relative to the planet during a gravity assist affects:
A. The degree of velocity change imparted to the spacecraft
B. The spacecraft’s fuel consumption
C. The central body’s rotation speed
D. The spacecraft’s altitude in orbit
(Answer: A)
Interplanetary missions often involve:
A. A combination of gravity assists and propulsion burns to optimize trajectory
B. Continuous propulsion for the entire journey
C. Only gravitational influences without propulsion
D. Maintaining a constant orbit around Earth
(Answer: A)
The “gravity assist” maneuver is best utilized for:
A. Increasing the spacecraft’s velocity for missions to outer planets
B. Achieving a stable orbit around Earth
C. Direct propulsion to the target planet
D. Changing the spacecraft’s orientation in space
(Answer: A)
The “flyby” technique in gravity assists allows:
A. The spacecraft to gain velocity and alter its trajectory by passing near a planet
B. The spacecraft to land on the planet and return
C. The spacecraft to remain in orbit around the planet
D. The spacecraft to avoid gravitational influences
(Answer: A)
In interplanetary travel, the concept of “delta-v” is used to:
A. Measure the change in velocity required for trajectory adjustments
B. Calculate the spacecraft’s escape velocity
C. Determine the time required for gravity assists
D. Assess the spacecraft’s fuel efficiency
(Answer: A)
The primary goal of gravity assists in spacecraft navigation is to:
A. Use the gravity of celestial bodies to enhance spacecraft velocity and trajectory
B. Achieve a circular orbit around the Sun
C. Minimize the spacecraft’s energy expenditure
D. Maintain a constant speed throughout the mission
(Answer: A)
Gravity assists are particularly effective for:
A. Increasing spacecraft speed for missions to distant planets
B. Achieving stable orbits around celestial bodies
C. Adjusting the spacecraft’s orientation in space
D. Reducing the spacecraft’s altitude
(Answer: A)
In an interplanetary mission, the “ejection velocity” is:
A. The velocity required to escape Earth’s gravitational influence and reach another planet
B. The speed at which the spacecraft enters a stable orbit
C. The velocity needed for gravity assists
D. The speed of the spacecraft relative to the target planet
(Answer: A)
The concept of “transfer orbit” in interplanetary travel involves:
A. Using specific trajectories to move between different celestial bodies efficiently
B. Achieving a stable orbit around the central body
C. Changing the spacecraft’s orientation
D. Maintaining constant propulsion throughout the journey
(Answer: A)
Gravity assists are especially useful for missions that:
A. Require significant changes in velocity without large fuel expenditures
B. Need to maintain a stable orbit around a planet
C. Focus on achieving low-speed trajectories
D. Rely on constant propulsion for the entire mission
(Answer: A)
In orbital mechanics, “perturbations” refer to:
A. Small changes in a spacecraft’s orbit caused by gravitational influences of other bodies
B. Large velocity changes required for interplanetary travel
C. The constant speed of a spacecraft in orbit
D. The effect of atmospheric drag on the spacecraft
(Answer: A)
The effectiveness of a gravity assist depends on:
A. The relative velocity and approach angle of the spacecraft to the planet
B. The spacecraft’s propulsion system
C. The distance from the central body
D. The time of day the maneuver is performed
(Answer: A)