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Ignites and runs out of fuel, falls off, and goes back to Earth; is discarded after running out of fuel

Option 1: Rocket Boosters
Option 2: Satellite Deorbiting
Option 3: Space Capsule Landing
Option 4: Orbital Maneuvering

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The question pertains to space mission operations where slowing a spacecraft with rocket thrust is necessary to orbit a planet; additional thrust is needed to land. The space shuttle had reusable components like solid fuel boosters, but human operation made it costly.

Step-by-step explanation:

The description given refers to actions that are part of space mission operations, specifically those involving the launching and returning of spacecraft. Upon reaching a planet, slowing the spacecraft using a rocket thrust is essential for achieving orbit. To return a spacecraft for a landing on the surface, additional rocket thrust is required. If the mission includes a return trip to Earth, the spacecraft must have the propulsive power for the return journey. The space shuttle was a complex assembly with reusable parts like the solid fuel boosters and orbiter which returned to Earth for future flights. Despite its advantages in reusability, the operational costs were high when human operation was involved. Rockets with satellites can also be launched from airplanes to gain the advantage of avoiding most of the atmospheric resistance and starting with a higher initial velocity.

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