EPS 365 Midterm Exam I: Exploring the Solar System - Prof. Carl B. Agee, Exams of Astronomy

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EPS 365 Exploring the Solar System Midterm Exam I 100 points

1. Genesis and Stardust were two recent sample return missions carried out by NASA. Describe the accomplishments and set backs (if any) of these two missions. (15 points)

2. Give a brief overview of the Apollo Program’s accomplishments, and describe both the manned and robotic projects that were precursors to Apollo. (15 points)

3. The Voyager Missions were sent to the outer solar system in 1977, describe the missions’ goals and accomplishments. Where are the spacecraft now? (10 points)

4. The U.S. and the Soviet Union carried out numerous missions to Venus from 1970-
5. What were the fundamental differences between the U.S. and Soviet Union in terms of their Venus mission strategies? (10 points)

5. Describe briefly NASA’s future plans for robotic exploration of Mars. (10 points)

6. Explain the issues surrounding “Planetary Protection”. (10 points)

7. What are some of the “astronaut-health” challenges faced by a human mission to Mars? What are some possible “countermeasures”? (10 points)

8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power versus nuclear power for solar system exploration missions? (10 points)

9. Explain how NASA’s mission has changed and evolved since Apollo. What is the Bush Administration’s current vision for NASA? (10 points)