Missions

Topic 11 – Exploring the Solar System

11.26 - Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the major types of space probe:
a) fly-by
b) orbiter
c) impactor
d) lander

11.27 - Know an example of each type of space probe, including target body and major discoveries, including:
a) fly-by – New Horizons (Outer Solar System)
b) orbiter – Juno (Jupiter) or Dawn (asteroids Vesta and Ceres)
c) impactor – Deep Impact (comet Tempel 1)
d) lander – Philae (comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko)

11.28 - Understand that a space probe must reach the Earth’s escape velocity, the energy requirements of which can be met only by the use of rockets

11.29 - Understand the advantages and disadvantages of direct observation via manned missions

11.30 - Understand the main features of the Apollo programme to land astronauts on the Moon

Topic 9 – Exploring the Moon

9.4 - Understand that a spacecraft traveling to the Moon must reach the Earth’s escape velocity, the energy requirements of which can be met only by the use of rockets

In this section you will learn about different types of space missions.

At the end of this section take the mini quiz to test yourself.