Directions: Choose the best answer for each question below.

Aeronautics of the Space Shuttle Multiple Choice Assessment

  1. Name the vehicle that is an example of a lifting body.
    1. a Boeing 747
    2. a DC-9 jet
    3. the orbiter

  2. The orbiter uses what type of wing?
    1. delta wing
    2. sweepback wing
    3. straight wing

  3. Which part of the Space Shuttle is NOT reusable?
    1. orbiter
    2. external fuel tank
    3. solid rocket booster

  4. Name the "space engines" used by the orbiter to enter, exit, and change orbit.
    1. solid rocket booster
    2. orbital maneuvering system
    3. reaction control system

  5. Name the airplane control surface that is on the trailing edge of the orbiter's wings.
    1. aileron
    2. rudder
    3. elevon

  6. Name the engine system that is used to control the orbiter's motions of roll, pitch, and yaw while it is in the upper atmosphere.
    1. reaction control system (RCS)
    2. orbital maneuvering system (OMS)
    3. orbiter reaction system (ORS)

  7. What is the purpose of the S-turns during landing?
    1. to reduce heat
    2. to slow the orbiter's speed
    3. to burn extra fuel

  8. The orbiter's rudder is used to do what?
    1. control yaw
    2. slow the orbiter at landing
    3. deflect the airflow and increase drag
    4. all of the above

  9. The orbiter lands on the runway moving at about what speed?
    1. 215 mph
    2. 424 mph
    3. Mach 1

  10. One major difference between the orbiter and an airplane is found with what part?
    1. elevons
    2. wings
    3. engines

  11. An elevon is a control surface that combines which two control surfaces?
    1. aileron and elevator
    2. elevator and rudder
    3. wing and aileron

  12. At what speeds does the orbiter fly?
    1. hypersonic
    2. supersonic and subsonic
    3. 732 miles per hour
    4. all of the above
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Correct Answers

  1. Name the vehicle that is an example of a lifting body.
    1. the orbiter

  2. The orbiter uses what type of wing?
    1. delta wing

  3. Which part of the Space Shuttle is NOT reusable?
    1. external fuel tank

  4. Name the "space engines" used by the orbiter to enter, exit, and change orbit.
    1. orbital maneuvering system

  5. Name the airplane control surface that is on the trailing edge of the orbiter's wings.
    1. elevon

  6. Name the engine system that is used to control the orbiter's motions of roll, pitch, and yaw while it is in the upper atmosphere.
    1. reaction control system (RCS)

  7. What is the purpose of the S-turns during landing?
    1. to slow the orbiter's speed

  8. The orbiter's rudder is used to do what?
    1. all of the above

  9. The orbiter lands on the runway moving at about what speed?
    1. 215 mph

  10. One major difference between the orbiter and an airplane is found with what part?
    1. engines

  11. An elevon is a control surface that combines which two control surfaces?
    1. aileron and elevator

  12. At what speeds does the orbiter fly?
    1. all of the above

Did you get all of them right?

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