Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

  1. To reach another planet, a spacecraft must be aimed:

  1. At the planet

  2. Midway between the two

  3. Where the planet will be when the spacecraft reaches it

  4. all the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A spacecraft must be aimed at where the planet will be when the spacecraft arrives, not where it is now. Both the spacecraft and target planet are moving in their orbits, so you must calculate the planet's future position at arrival time. Aiming at the planet's current position would cause the spacecraft to arrive where the planet used to be. 'Midway' makes no sense for intercept trajectories.

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