Spacecraft. Artificial satellites of the Earth

Space vehicles in all their diversity are at the same time the pride and care of humanity. Their creation was preceded by a centuries-old history of the development of science and technology. The space age, which allowed people from the outside to look at the world in which they live, has lifted us to a new stage of development. A rocket in space today is not a dream, but a matter of concern for high-class specialists, who face the challenges of improving existing technologies. About what kinds of spacecraft are singled out and how they differ from each other, we will discuss this article.

Definition

Spacecraft - the generalized name for any devices intended for work in the conditions of space. There are several options for their classification. In the simplest case, spacecraft are manned and automatic. The first, in turn, are divided into spaceships and stations. Different in their capabilities and purpose, they are similar in many respects to the structure and equipment used.

Features of the flight

Any spacecraft after launch passes through three basic stages: putting into orbit, actually flying and landing. The first stage involves the development of the apparatus speed necessary for access to outer space. In order to get into orbit, its value should be 7.9 km / s. The complete overcoming of earthly attraction presupposes the development of a second cosmic speed, equal to 11.2 km / s. This is how the rocket moves in space, when its purpose is remote parts of the universe.

After liberation from attraction follows the second stage. In the process of orbital flight, space vehicles move by inertia, due to the acceleration imparted to them. Finally, the landing phase involves reducing the speed of the ship, satellite or station to almost zero.

"Filling"

Each spacecraft is equipped with equipment to match the tasks that it is designed to solve. However, the main discrepancy is associated with the so-called target equipment, which is necessary just to obtain data and various scientific studies. In other respects, the equipment at the space vehicles is similar. It includes the following systems:

• Power supply - most often supply space vehicles with the necessary energy, solar or radioisotope batteries, chemical batteries, nuclear reactors;
• Communication - is carried out using a radio wave signal, with a significant distance from the Earth, it becomes particularly important to accurately guide the antenna;
• Life support - the system is typical for manned spacecraft, thanks to it it becomes possible for people to stay on board;
• Orientation - like any other spacecraft, are equipped with equipment to continuously determine their own position in space;
• Movement - the engines of space vehicles allow you to make changes in the speed of flight, as well as in its direction.

Classification

One of the main criteria for separating spacecraft into types is the mode of operation that determines their capabilities. On this basis, the following devices are distinguished:

• Located in a geocentric orbit, or artificial earth satellites;
• Those whose purpose is to study remote areas of space - automatic interplanetary stations;
• Used to deliver people or the necessary cargo to the orbit of our planet, they are called spacecraft, they can be automatic or manned;
• Created for the stay of people in space for a long period, are orbital stations ;
• Dealing with the delivery of people and cargo from orbit to the surface of the planet, they are called descent;
• Capable of exploring the planet, directly located on its surface, and move around it - these are planet-walkers.

Let us dwell on some types.

AES (artificial satellites of the Earth)

The first vehicles launched into space were artificial earth satellites. Physics and its laws make the removal of any such device into orbit an uneasy task. Any device must overcome the attraction of the planet and then not fall on it. To do this, the satellite must move with the first space velocity or a little faster. Above our planet, the conditional lower limit of the possible location of the satellite is identified (passes at an altitude of 300 km). A closer arrangement will lead to a sufficiently rapid deceleration of the apparatus in the atmosphere.

Initially, only launch vehicles could deliver artificial satellites to Earth. Physics, however, does not stand still, and new methods are being developed today. So, one of the most frequently used methods in recent times is the launching of another satellite from the side. The plans also apply other options.

The orbits of spacecraft rotating around the Earth can run at different altitudes. Naturally, this depends on the time required for one lap. Satellites, the period of revolution of which is equal to the day, are located on the so-called geostationary orbit. It is considered to be the most valuable, since the apparatuses on it for the terrestrial observer seem to be stationary, and therefore there is no need to create mechanisms for rotating the antennas.

AMC (automatic interplanetary stations)

A huge amount of information about the various objects of the solar system, scientists receive with the help of spacecraft sent beyond the geocentric orbit. The objects of AMC are both planets, asteroids, comets, and even galaxies available for observation. The tasks that are put before such devices require enormous knowledge and strength from engineers and researchers. AMC's missions represent an embodiment of technological progress and are also an incentive.

A manned spaceship

Apparatuses designed to deliver people to the intended goal and return them back, in technological terms, are not inferior to the described species. It is to this type of "East-1", on which Yuri Gagarin made his flight.

The most difficult task for the creators of a manned spacecraft is to ensure the safety of the crew during the return to Earth. Also a significant part of such devices is an emergency rescue system, in which there may be a need during the launching of a spacecraft by means of a launch vehicle.

Space vehicles, like the entire space program, are constantly improving. Recently, in the media, one could often see reports on the activity of the Rosetta probe and the descent vehicle of the Fila. They embody all the latest achievements in the field of spacecraft, the calculation of the movement of the apparatus and so on. Planting the "Fila" probe on a comet is considered an event comparable to Gagarin's flight. The most interesting is that this is not the crown of humanity's possibilities. We are still waiting for new discoveries and achievements in terms of both the exploration of outer space and the structure of aircraft.