Question

The spacecraft itself uses its own rockets and continues to space.

Option 1: The spacecraft relies on gravitational slingshot propulsion.

Option 2: The spacecraft utilizes solar sail technology.

Option 3: The spacecraft employs ion thrusters for propulsion.

Option 4: The spacecraft harnesses nuclear thermal rockets for propulsion.

Answer 1

This involves addressing various methods of spacecraft propulsion in space, including gravitational slingshots, solar sails, ion thrusters, and nuclear thermal rockets, with solar sails using sunlight for continuous acceleration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specifics mentioned in the question pertain to different propulsion techniques, such as using gravitational slingshots, solar sails, ion thrusters, or nuclear thermal rockets. These methods suggest different physical principles by which a spacecraft may be propelled, such as using gravity, solar radiation pressure, electrically accelerated ions, or thermal energy from nuclear reactions. For example, solar sail technology utilizes the momentum from sunlight reflecting off large, low-mass sails. This propulsion method does not require the spacecraft to carry fuel, thus making it an efficient way to accelerate a spacecraft over time continuously. This concept once part of science fiction stories is now becoming a reality with projects like LightSail-1 aiming to demonstrate the technology's feasibility.