Question

What part of the space shuttle is reused? A) liquid-fuel tanks B) Gemini rockets C) booster engines D) Saturn rockets

Short answer

C) Booster engines are reused.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Options

Identify what each of the options refers to in real-life context: - A) Liquid-fuel tanks: These are used to store fuel for the launch and are usually discarded after use. - B) Gemini rockets: Gemini program rockets were part of an earlier manned spaceflight program and are not part of the Space Shuttle. - C) Booster engines: These refer to the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) used in the Space Shuttle program and are designed to be reused. - D) Saturn rockets: These were part of the Apollo program and are not related to the reusable parts of the Space Shuttle.

Eliminate Irrelevant Options

Eliminate options that do not pertain to the parts of the Space Shuttle: - Option B (Gemini rockets) does not involve the Space Shuttle; it's from another space program. - Option D (Saturn rockets) is associated with the Apollo program and is irrelevant in this context.

Analyze the Remaining Options

Now, consider the remaining options (A and C): - A) Liquid-fuel tanks are external tanks meant for single use, typically discarded after boosting the shuttle into orbit. - C) Booster engines, specifically the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), are indeed reused after being recovered from the ocean, refurbished, and used again in subsequent missions.

Choose the Correct Option

Compare the characteristics of the remaining options and choose the correct answer: - The Booster engines (Solid Rocket Boosters) are the only part designed to be refurbished and reused for multiple shuttle launches. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option C.) Booster engines.

Key concepts

Solid Rocket Boosters

Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) play a crucial role in the launch of space shuttles. They are the powerful engines designed to provide the initial thrust needed to lift the shuttle off the ground. Each shuttle launch uses two SRBs, which are attached to the sides of the external fuel tank. This setup helps the space shuttle to break the grip of Earth's gravity and ascend into space.

After fulfilling their purpose during the first two minutes of flight, the SRBs detach from the shuttle. These boosters then fall back toward Earth and deploy parachutes. This controlled descent allows them to splash down safely in the ocean, where they can be recovered. The recovery process involves collecting the SRBs by ship, bringing them back to land, and preparing them for future missions.

The reuse of SRBs saves costs and resources. It embodies NASA's approach to creating more sustainable and economically feasible space missions. The SRBs are thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and refurbished after each flight to ensure they are ready for the next mission. This cycle of use, recovery, and refurbishment distinguishes the boosters as an essential component of reusable space technology.

Reusable Space Technology

Reusable space technology represents a significant advancement in how humans explore space. Traditionally, many components used in space missions were single-use, contributing to higher costs and material waste. With the advent of reusable technologies, space agencies like NASA aim to make space travel more sustainable and cost-effective.

Some key benefits of reusable space technology include:

• Reduction in mission costs by reusing vehicle components.
• Decreased environmental impact since fewer parts are discarded after each mission.
• Increased frequency of launches, allowing for more regular intervals of space exploration.
  

Nasa's Space Shuttle was one of the first programs to implement reusable space technology on a substantial scale. Apart from the SRBs, the Space Shuttle orbiter itself was reusable, designed to fly multiple missions. Early achievements in this technology have paved the way for contemporary spacecraft designs, including those by private companies focused on expanding humanity's reach in space.

Reuse does come with its challenges, such as the rigorous process required to refurbish and certify the parts for subsequent missions. However, the long-term benefits hold great promise for the future of space exploration.

NASA Space Missions

NASA space missions have become synonymous with groundbreaking achievements in space exploration, advancing our understanding of the universe and the technology required for space travel. The Space Shuttle program, which ran from 1981 to 2011, is one of NASA's most famous missions.

This program introduced a new era in space travel by enabling regular human spaceflight with components that could be reused.
Some highlights of NASA's Space Missions include:

• The development and launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, which has provided images that significantly expanded our knowledge of the cosmos.
• Assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS), allowing for long-term human habitation in space.
• Scientific experiments conducted in space, furthering our understanding of biology, physics, and other sciences in a zero-gravity environment.
  

Each mission undertaken by NASA not only contributed to our knowledge but also pushed the boundaries of what was deemed technically possible. The lessons learned from the Space Shuttle's successes and challenges continue to shape future missions, guiding not only NASA but also international efforts in exploring beyond Earth.