Satellites and Services : MCQs

1. What is the main function of a communications satellite?

A. To provide military surveillance

B. To conduct scientific experiments

C. To transmit and receive data and signals

D. To explore outer space

Answer: C. Communications satellites are primarily used for transmitting and receiving data and signals, including voice, video, and internet communications.

2. What type of orbit do most communications satellites use?

A. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

B. Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

C. Polar Orbit

D. Heliocentric Orbit

Answer: B. Most communications satellites use a geostationary orbit, which is a high-altitude orbit that keeps the satellite in a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface.

3. Which frequency band is commonly used for satellite communications?

A. AM radio band

B. FM radio band

C. UHF band

D. Ku-band

Answer: D. The Ku-band is a commonly used frequency band for satellite communications, particularly for satellite TV and internet services.

4. What is the purpose of a transponder on a communications satellite?

A. To store data

B. To transmit signals to the satellite

C. To receive signals from the satellite

D. To amplify and re-transmit signals back to Earth

Answer: D. A transponder on a communications satellite receives signals from Earth, amplifies them, and re-transmits them back to Earth at a different frequency.

5. Which company operates the Iridium constellation of communications satellites?

A. Boeing

B. Lockheed Martin

C. SpaceX

D. Iridium Communications

Answer: D. Iridium Communications operates the Iridium constellation, which provides global voice and data communications services.

6. What is the name of the system that provides GPS navigation using satellites?

A. GLONASS

B. Galileo

C. BeiDou

D. GPS

Answer: D. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information.

7. Which type of communications satellite is used for mobile and remote communications?

A. Geostationary satellites

B. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites

C. Polar orbit satellites

D. Heliocentric satellites

Answer: B. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are used for mobile and remote communications, such as satellite phones and mobile internet services.

8. Which country launched the first communications satellite, called Telstar, in 1962?

A. USA

B. USSR

C. China

D. France

Answer: A. The United States launched the first communications satellite, Telstar, in 1962.

9. What is the name of the high-speed internet service provided by SpaceX's Starlink constellation?

A. Sky-Fi

B. StarNet

C. Starlink

D. SpaceNet

Answer: C. Starlink is the name of the high-speed internet service provided by SpaceX's Starlink constellation, which is composed of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit.

10. Which frequency band is commonly used for satellite radio services?

A. FM band

B. AM band

C. VHF band

D. S-band

Answer: D. S-band is commonly used for satellite radio services.Satellite radio services such as Sirius XM Radio and WorldSpace Radio use the S-band frequency range (2.3-2.4 GHz) for their transmissions. The S-band is part of the microwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum and is also used for satellite communication and weather radar.