Rockets
This force pushes a rocket forward as gases shoot out the back.
What is thrust?
The first artificial satellite launched in 1957 by the Soviet Union.
What is Sputnik I?
An object that orbits another object in space.
What is a satellite?
The near absence of matter in space.
What is a vacuum?
Technology from space programs that benefits everyday life is called this.
What is a space spinoff?
Rockets move forward because of this principle: gases push one way, the rocket moves the opposite way.
What is action-reaction (Newton’s Third Law)?
The U.S. program that successfully landed astronauts on the Moon.
What is the Apollo program?
A reusable spacecraft that carries astronauts into space and back.
What is a space shuttle?
The condition of very weak gravity experienced by astronauts in orbit.
What is microgravity?
These satellites help with TV, phone, and internet communication.
What are communication satellites?
This type of rocket loses weight as it rises, making it more efficient.
What is a multistage rocket?
The “space race” began between these two nations.
Who are the United States and the Soviet Union?
A place in space where astronauts live and conduct experiments long-term.
What is a space station?
Extreme hot and cold conditions in space are described as this.
What are extreme temperatures?
Space research has improved this field with devices like medical imaging tools.
What is medicine?
This is the speed needed to stay in orbit around Earth.
What is orbital velocity?
The first person to walk on the Moon.
Who is Neil Armstrong?
An unmanned spacecraft used to explore distant planets.
What is a space probe?
Collecting information about Earth without direct contact.
What is remote sensing?
New materials developed for space are often lighter and stronger for use on Earth.
What are advanced materials?
This is the speed needed to completely escape a planet’s gravity.
What is escape velocity?
This famous quote was said during the first Moon landing.
What is “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”?
A robot vehicle used to explore the surface of planets like Mars.
What is a rover?
A satellite that stays above the same spot on Earth at all times.
What is a geostationary orbit satellite?
These satellites help predict storms and monitor Earth’s climate.
What are weather satellites?