Spacecraft Systems and Operations MCQs

1. What is the primary function of attitude control systems on a spacecraft?
(A) Control the spacecraft’s speed
(B) Maintain the spacecraft’s orientation
(C) Generate electrical power
(D) Monitor radiation levels

2. Which type of propulsion system is commonly used for making precise adjustments to a spacecraft’s orbit?
(A) Ion propulsion
(B) Chemical propulsion
(C) Nuclear propulsion
(D) Solar sail propulsion

3. Which instrument is crucial for determining a spacecraft’s position relative to Earth?
(A) Accelerometer
(B) Magnetometer
(C) Gyroscope
(D) Radio beacon

4. What role does a star tracker play in spacecraft operations?
(A) Measures the spacecraft’s velocity
(B) Communicates with ground stations
(C) Determines the spacecraft’s orientation using star positions
(D) Monitors solar radiation

5. Which subsystem manages the distribution of electrical power on a spacecraft?
(A) Telecommunications
(B) Thermal control
(C) Power management and distribution
(D) Attitude control

6. What is the purpose of a thermal control system on a spacecraft?
(A) Regulate the internal temperature
(B) Generate electrical power
(C) Transmit data to Earth
(D) Monitor atmospheric conditions

7. Which component of a spacecraft is responsible for storing and processing data from onboard instruments?
(A) Transponder
(B) Telemetry system
(C) Command and data handling system
(D) Antenna

8. Which type of orbit is commonly used for Earth observation satellites that maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface?
(A) Geostationary orbit
(B) Low Earth orbit
(C) Polar orbit
(D) Heliocentric orbit

9. What is the primary purpose of a payload on a spacecraft?
(A) Generate electrical power
(B) Transmit telemetry data
(C) Perform scientific or operational missions
(D) Maintain spacecraft stability

10. Which communication protocol is commonly used for transmitting data between a spacecraft and ground control?
(A) GPS
(B) Ethernet
(C) TCP/IP
(D) Deep Space Network (DSN)

11. Which subsystem of a spacecraft is responsible for collecting and transmitting scientific data to Earth?
(A) Telecommunications
(B) Thermal control
(C) Data handling
(D) Payload

12. What is the primary purpose of a Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA) on a spacecraft?
(A) Generate electrical power
(B) Attitude control
(C) Propulsion
(D) Thermal regulation

13. Which type of propulsion system is most suitable for long-duration interplanetary missions due to its high specific impulse?
(A) Chemical propulsion
(B) Ion propulsion
(C) Solar sail propulsion
(D) Nuclear propulsion

14. What does the term “spacecraft autonomy” refer to?
(A) Ability to communicate with ground control
(B) Capability to operate without constant human intervention
(C) Functionality during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere
(D) Ability to withstand radiation in space

15. Which component of a spacecraft ensures that it remains within its designated orbit?
(A) Reaction wheels
(B) Star tracker
(C) Onboard computer
(D) Propellant tanks

16. What is the primary function of a star sensor on a spacecraft?
(A) Maintain the spacecraft’s orientation
(B) Transmit telemetry data
(C) Receive commands from ground control
(D) Measure radiation levels

17. Which orbit is commonly used for scientific missions requiring close observation of Earth’s surface?
(A) Polar orbit
(B) Geostationary orbit
(C) Low Earth orbit
(D) Heliocentric orbit

18. What role does a Magnetometer play in spacecraft operations?
(A) Measures the spacecraft’s velocity
(B) Determines the spacecraft’s orientation using magnetic fields
(C) Tracks the spacecraft’s position relative to Earth
(D) Monitors solar radiation levels

19. Which subsystem of a spacecraft manages the thermal environment to protect sensitive components?
(A) Data handling
(B) Telecommunications
(C) Power management
(D) Thermal control

20. Which organization operates the Deep Space Network (DSN) for communicating with spacecraft throughout the solar system?
(A) NASA
(B) ESA (European Space Agency)
(C) CNSA (China National Space Administration)
(D) ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)