Across
- 2. The path of an object moving through space.
- 4. The process of slowing down and setting down a spacecraft on the surface of its destination.
- 5. A circular or elliptical path followed by one body as it revolves around another body.
- 6. An oval shape that can represent the orbits of many artificial and natural satellites.
- 10. A partially reusable spacecraft that is launched by a rocket and is able to return to Earth and land like a glider (unpowered aircraft). Used for journeys between Earth and spacecraft orbiting the Earth. Recent missions no longer use space shuttles.
- 11. A large piece of fabric, usually in a dome shape, that is attached to spacecraft and opens during landing. The parachute creates drag to slow down the spacecraft.
- 13. The height above the surface of the earth at which an object is located.
- 14. The period of a space flight between launch and landing when a spacecraft is moving in a mostly straight-line path to its destination.
- 15. A space station in low orbit around Earth. It was built by multiple countries and serves as a laboratory to conduct experiments in space, which are impossible to replicate on earth
- 16. Distance The distance at which a satellite or spacecraft orbits
- 17. A system of cables used to separate the descent stage of a spacecraft from its cargo (such as a rover), which is placed at a landing site.
- 20. A small, extra rocket on a spacecraft that is fired in the direction of travel before landing. The firing slows the spacecraft.
Down
- 1. The speed and direction of a satellite or spacecraft as it orbits.
- 3. The thick layer of gasses surrounding Earth and other planets.
- 7. Having a period of rotation that matches the Earth's rotation. Geosynchronous satellites stay above the same spot on Earth at all times.
- 8. Discarded objects, trash, and other man-made debris left in orbit during space flights.
- 9. An object in orbit around a planet or moon in space. An artificial satellite is a human made object that has intentionally been placed in orbit. An example of a natural satellite is Earth’s moon.
- 12. A device, usually a long rod or wire, used to send or receive communication signals.
- 18. A large bag of strong fabric that is attached to a spacecraft and inflated before landing. Many bags are placed on the craft to cushion the landing on rough terrain.
- 19. How “stretched out” an ellipse orbit is in shape. The more eccentric, the more stretched and less circular.