SSPI Orbital Mechanics & Spacecraft Operations

Question 1

What is the orbital period of a geostationary satellite?

Accepted Answer

23 hours 56 minutes

Answer

12 hours

Answer

24 hours

Answer

48 hours

Question 2

At what altitude do geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites operate?

Accepted Answer

35,786 km

Answer

2,000 km

Answer

20,200 km

Answer

100,000 km

Question 3

Which orbital parameter describes the shape of a satellite's orbit?

Accepted Answer

Eccentricity

Answer

Inclination

Answer

Right ascension of ascending node

Answer

Argument of perigee

Question 4

What is the purpose of a Hohmann transfer orbit?

Accepted Answer

To efficiently move a satellite between two circular orbits

Answer

To maintain station-keeping at GEO

Answer

To deorbit a satellite at end of life

Answer

To correct inclination drift

Question 5

Which Keplerian element defines the tilt of a satellite's orbital plane relative to the equator?

Accepted Answer

Inclination

Answer

Eccentricity

Answer

Semi-major axis

Answer

True anomaly

Question 6

What causes a satellite in low Earth orbit to gradually lose altitude over time?

Accepted Answer

Atmospheric drag

Answer

Solar radiation pressure

Answer

Magnetic field interaction

Answer

Gravitational perturbations from the Moon

Question 7

What is the semi-major axis of an orbit?

Accepted Answer

Half the longest diameter of the elliptical orbit

Answer

The radius at apogee

Answer

The distance from perigee to the center of Earth

Answer

The altitude of the satellite above the surface