Question

Unlike previous spacecraft, a permanently orbiting space station must generate its own electricity due to:

A) Short flights of the shuttle
B) Adequate power in fuel cells and batteries
C) Lack of solar power
D) Continuous orbital requirements

Answer 1

A permanently orbiting space station must generate its own electricity due to the lack of solar power. Solar panels and fuel cells are common methods of generating electricity in space missions.

Step-by-step explanation:

A permanently orbiting space station must generate its own electricity due to the lack of solar power. Unlike previous spacecraft, which could rely on the Sun's energy as a power source, a space station in continuous orbit around the Earth or other celestial bodies does not have consistent access to sunlight. Therefore, it needs to generate its own electricity to power its systems and ensure its continuous orbital requirements are met.

One example of generating electricity in space is by using solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. These panels can collect solar energy even in the vacuum of space.

Another example is using fuel cells, which can efficiently generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel cells have been used in various space missions to supply power.