SSPI Orbital Mechanics & Spacecraft Operations 2

Question 1

What is station-keeping in satellite operations?

Accepted Answer

Performing periodic thruster burns to maintain the satellite's assigned orbital position

Answer

Storing the satellite in a parking orbit before final deployment

Answer

Turning off non-essential subsystems during eclipse periods

Answer

Repositioning a satellite to a new orbital slot

Question 2

What is the approximate one-way signal latency from a ground station to a GEO satellite and back?

Accepted Answer

240–280 milliseconds

Answer

10–20 milliseconds

Answer

50–80 milliseconds

Answer

500–600 milliseconds

Question 3

Which type of orbit is best suited for Earth observation satellites requiring consistent lighting conditions?

Accepted Answer

Sun-synchronous orbit

Answer

Geostationary orbit

Answer

Molniya orbit

Answer

Highly elliptical orbit

Question 4

What is the Molniya orbit primarily used for?

Accepted Answer

High-latitude coverage where GEO satellites have low elevation angles

Answer

Broadband internet coverage over the tropics

Answer

Real-time imaging of the entire Earth surface

Answer

Deep space communications relay

Question 5

What does the term 'apogee' refer to in orbital mechanics?

Accepted Answer

The point in an orbit farthest from Earth

Answer

The point in an orbit closest to Earth

Answer

The orbital altitude above the equator

Answer

The satellite's ground track crossing point

Question 6

What is the graveyard orbit used for in satellite operations?

Accepted Answer

A disposal orbit above GEO where end-of-life satellites are relocated

Answer

A temporary parking orbit during launch vehicle separation

Answer

An orbit used for satellites awaiting regulatory approval

Answer

A low-altitude orbit for satellite refueling operations

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the Van Allen radiation belts and their significance for satellite operations?

Accepted Answer

They are regions of trapped high-energy particles that can degrade satellite electronics

Answer

They are bands of concentrated solar wind that increase signal interference

Answer

They are atmospheric layers that cause signal scintillation

Answer

They are magnetic field anomalies that cause GPS errors