Forces
What force pulls objects towards the ground?
Gravity
Mars has a thinner atmosphere than Earth -- does this make landing more challenging or less?
More Challenging
Why are spacecraft built with lightweight materials?
To reduce launch energy and cost.
Why is it important to identify constraints before designing a solution?
So the design fits the limits of materials, size, cost, or environment.
Why do engineers create sketches or diagrams before building?
Communicate ideas clearly and plan the design
What force allows flying objects to not crash into the ground?
Lift (But more correctly, Buoyancy bonus points for this)
Why do Mars landers need shock-absorbing materials?
To protect equipment from the harsh impact (or something equivalent)
Why are foldable or compact structures useful in space missions?
Because they fit inside rockets, then expand once in orbit.
Why might engineers compare multiple design ideas before building a prototype?
To select the most promising and workable option.
How does measuring speed, distance, or force help during tests?
It provides objective data for evaluating performance.
What force slows objects down while flying through the air?
Air resistance or drag
Why can't engineers control spacecraft in real time on distant planets?
Because communication signals take minutes to travel, causing delays
Name one spacecraft component that often uses folding technology.
Solar panels, antennas, or radiator arrays.
What is the purpose of gathering data after a test?
To evaluate performance and guide improvements
Why are computer simulations used before building physical models?
They predict behavior and reduce trial‑and‑error costs.
What relationship between gravity and lift must be true in order for an object to fly?
The force of lift must be greater than gravity!
Why must landing systems be designed to survive unpredictable terrain?
Because surface conditions — rocks, slopes, dust — can’t be fully known in advance.
What is one reason engineers must consider extreme temperature changes when choosing materials?
Materials may expand or contract, causing stress or failure.
Why is iteration essential in improving a design?
Because each version fixes weaknesses and increases reliability.
Why is understanding material properties important in aerospace design?
Because materials must withstand stress, heat, and repeated use.
When designing any flying or falling system, engineers must consider how forces interact. What is the term for the point where all forces appear to act on an object?
Centre of mass
What NASA robot made history by performing the first powered flight on another planet?
Ingenuity, the Mars helicopter!
What advantage does a folded structure give once in space?
It can expand to full size without taking up room during launch.
Why do real engineering problems often require balancing trade‑offs?
Improving one part of the design may negatively affect another, requiring thoughtful choices.
Why is teamwork important in engineering?
Because different ideas and skills lead to better solutions.