Satellite launch, orbital decay, and station-keeping MCQs – Aerospace

1. Satellite launch vehicles are designed to:
(A) Propel satellites into their desired orbits around Earth
(B) Provide a stable orbit for satellites
(C) Maintain satellite velocity in orbit
(D) Re-enter and land satellites on Earth

2. The primary purpose of a satellite launch vehicle is to:
(A) Overcome Earth’s gravity and place a satellite into orbit
(B) Ensure the satellite remains in geostationary orbit
(C) Slow down the satellite to maintain orbit
(D) Adjust the satellite’s orientation in space

3. Orbital decay occurs due to:
(A) The gradual loss of altitude due to atmospheric drag and gravitational perturbations
(B) The increase in satellite velocity
(C) The stability of the satellite’s orbit
(D) The constant speed of the satellite

4. To counteract orbital decay, satellites use:
(A) Station-keeping maneuvers to adjust their position and altitude
(B) Additional fuel to maintain their initial velocity
(C) Gravity assists to change their trajectory
(D) Magnetic fields to stabilize their orbit

5. Station-keeping involves:
(A) Periodic adjustments to a satellite’s position to maintain its desired orbit
(B) Increasing the satellite’s speed to escape Earth’s gravity
(C) Re-entering the satellite into Earth’s atmosphere
(D) Achieving a stable orbit around a central body

6. The primary force causing orbital decay in low Earth orbit is:
(A) Atmospheric drag
(B) Gravitational attraction from the central body
(C) Solar radiation pressure
(D) Magnetic fields

7. Satellites in geostationary orbit are:
(A) Positioned directly above the equator, rotating with Earth’s rotation
(B) Constantly moving relative to Earth’s surface
(C) Orbiting Earth in a polar trajectory
(D) Placed in low Earth orbit

8. The main advantage of a geostationary orbit is:
(A) The satellite remains fixed relative to a point on Earth’s surface
(B) The satellite experiences no atmospheric drag
(C) The orbit is highly elliptical
(D) The satellite can easily change its orbital inclination

9. Orbital decay is accelerated by:
(A) Increased atmospheric density at lower altitudes
(B) Reduced gravitational forces
(C) High orbital velocities
(D) Stable satellite speeds

10. Station-keeping thrusters are used to:
(A) Perform small adjustments to a satellite’s orbit and position
(B) Increase the satellite’s speed
(C) Decrease the satellite’s altitude
(D) Stabilize the satellite’s orientation