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Spaceflight quiz

All 9 questions. After you submit, each question shows the right answer and why. Back to the quick check

ExplorerQuestion 1 of 9

What makes a rocket move upwards?

ExplorerQuestion 2 of 9

A rocket engine can still work in space, where there is no air.

InvestigatorQuestion 3 of 9

What was Sputnik 1?

InvestigatorQuestion 4 of 9

The International Space Station goes once around Earth about every 90 minutes. About how many orbits does it make in 24 hours?

InvestigatorQuestion 5 of 9

Astronauts on the space station float because there is no gravity up there.

ScientistQuestion 6 of 9

Which speeds are about right for low Earth orbit and for escaping Earth altogether?

ScientistQuestion 7 of 9

Using the ideal rocket equation, Δu = (effective exhaust velocity) × ln(full mass ÷ empty mass), what velocity change in km/s (one decimal place) does a rocket with an effective exhaust velocity of 3 km/s and a mass ratio of 4 achieve, ignoring drag and gravity?

AdvancedQuestion 8 of 9

Inverting the rocket equation gives mass ratio = e raised to the power (Δu ÷ exhaust velocity). What mass ratio (one decimal place) would a single-stage rocket with an effective exhaust velocity of 3 km/s need to gain 8 km/s, ignoring drag and gravity?

ExpertQuestion 9 of 9

Using the rocket equation, explain why a rocket reaching orbit carries a payload of only about 1% of its launch weight, and what the ideal equation leaves out.