GATE_AE_2027_MOCK_03_Q06
GATE 2027 Aerospace Engineering All-India Master Mock 03 (Flight Dynamics, Controls & Space Trajectories)
MCQ · 2 Marks
General Aptitude • Verbal Aptitude • Reading Comprehension & Critical Reasoning
Read the statement: "Passive aerodynamic stabilization of a spacecraft relies on ambient atmospheric drag gradient or gravity-gradient torques, dispensing with active thrusters and gyroscopes at the cost of slow response times." Which inference is most justified?
(A) Passive stabilization eliminates propellant consumption for attitude control in low orbits.
(B) Gravity-gradient torques are strong enough to stabilize interplanetary probes in deep space.
(C) Active thrusters are inherently less reliable than atmospheric drag fins at all altitudes.
(D) Passive stabilization provides instantaneous attitude correction during maneuvering.
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Verified Solution
### Solution: By dispensing with active reaction thrusters and relying solely on environmental torques, passive stabilization uses zero control propellant. Correct: A.