Spacecraft velocity, delta-v, and escape velocity MCQs – Aerospace

1. Spacecraft velocity is defined as:
(A) The rate at which a spacecraft changes its position
(B) The maximum speed a spacecraft can achieve
(C) The speed at which a spacecraft orbits a planet
(D) The speed required to leave Earth’s atmosphere

2. Delta-v (Δv) refers to:
(A) The change in velocity a spacecraft can achieve
(B) The initial speed of a spacecraft
(C) The speed of a spacecraft in orbit
(D) The maximum speed a spacecraft can reach

3. Escape velocity is the speed needed to:
(A) Enter a stable orbit around a planet
(B) Break free from a planet’s gravitational influence
(C) Achieve a geostationary orbit
(D) Return to Earth from space

4. To escape Earth’s gravity, a spacecraft must reach:
(A) Orbital velocity
(B) Terminal velocity
(C) Escape velocity
(D) Delta-v

5. The escape velocity from the surface of Earth is approximately:
(A) 11.2 km/s
(B) 7.9 km/s
(C) 15.0 km/s
(D) 9.8 km/s

6. Delta-v is crucial for:
(A) Establishing a spacecraft’s orbit
(B) Changing the spacecraft’s trajectory
(C) Maintaining a stable orbit
(D) Navigating through a planetary ring

7. The escape velocity depends on:
(A) The mass of the spacecraft
(B) The altitude above the planet
(C) The gravitational pull of the planet
(D) The spacecraft’s propulsion system

8. Which factor does NOT affect escape velocity?
(A) Planet’s mass
(B) Planet’s radius
(C) Spacecraft’s weight
(D) Planet’s gravitational constant

9. Delta-v requirements are determined by:
(A) Spacecraft’s initial velocity
(B) Mission objectives and spacecraft mass
(C) Orbital insertion speed
(D) Time of flight

10. If a spacecraft is already in orbit, it needs:
(A) Lower delta-v to change its orbit
(B) Higher delta-v to leave the orbit
(C) No delta-v for trajectory adjustments
(D) Same delta-v as required for escape