4.5. Decelerating Spacecraft

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the mass conservation equation state about inflow and outflow?

   Hint

   Think about conservation principles in a closed system.

2. 2.

   Define momentum flux in simple terms.

   Hint

   Consider the flow of water in terms of amount and speed.

3. 3.

   What does the mass conservation equation state?

   • Inflow equals outflow
   • Inflow is less than outflow
   • Inflow is greater than outflow

   Hint

   Think about how fluids behave in a closed system.

4. 4.

   True or False: Thrust is the force that helps a spacecraft move forward.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how rockets operate.

5. 5.

   A spacecraft with a mass of 15000 kg descends at 600 m/s. If it expels 90 kg/s of fuel at 2500 m/s for 10 seconds, calculate the change in velocity.

   Hint

   Consider thrust's effect versus gravitational pull while calculating.

6. 6.

   Analyze the implications if the thrust only begins after the spacecraft has fallen for 15 seconds. What changes upon activation?

   Hint

   Reflect on how time impacts momentum and force balance.