RegolithRegolith () is a blanket of unconsolidated, loose, heterogeneoussuperficial deposits covering solid rock. It includes dust, broken rocks, and other related materials and is present on Earth, the Moon, Mars, some asteroids, and other terrestrial planets and moons. EtymologyThe term combines two Greek words: rhegos (), 'blanket', and lithos (), 'rock'.PropellantA propellant (or propellent) is a mass that is expelled or expanded in such a way as to create a thrust or another motive force in accordance with Newton's third law of motion, and "propel" a vehicle, projectile, or fluid payload. In vehicles, the engine that expels the propellant is called a reaction engine.
Space explorationInvestigation of outer spaceBuzz Aldrin taking a core sample of the Moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 missionSelf-portrait of Curiosity rover on Mars's surface, 2012
PayloadCarrying capacity of a vehicle Payload is the object or the entity that is being carried by an aircraft or launch vehicle. Sometimes payload also refers to the carrying capacity of an aircraft or launch vehicle, usually measured in terms of weight. Depending on the nature of the flight or mission, the payload of a vehicle may include cargo, passengers, flight crew, munitions, scientific instruments or experiments, or other equipment.
Solar panels on spacecraftPhotovoltaic solar panels are the power source for almost all spacecraft ever launched. Modern spacecraft typically use multi-junction solar cell and gallium arsenide-based panels. The first solar-powered spacecraft was Vanguard 1, the second artificial satellite. Near geocentric orbit, spacecraft extensively use solar panels.
SpacecraftA spacecraft is a vehicle that is designed to fly and operate in outer space. Spacecraft are used for a variety of purposes, including communications, Earth observation, meteorology, navigation, space colonization, planetary exploration, and transportation of humans and cargo. All spacecraft except single-stage-to-orbit vehicles cannot get into space on their own, and require a launch vehicle (carrier rocket).
NASAAmerican space and aeronautics agencyThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the United States' civil space program, as well as research in aeronautics and space. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NASA operates ten field centers across the US and is organized into three mission directorates: Human Spaceflight, Research and Technology, and Science.
In situIn situ is a Latin phrase meaning 'in the place' or 'on site', derived from ('in') and (ablative of situs, lit.'place'). The term refers to studying or working with something in its natural or original location rather than moving it elsewhere. This approach preserves environmental factors and relationships that might be lost when materials or specimens are relocated to controlled settings.
Astronomical objectAn astronomical object, celestial object, stellar object or heavenly object is a naturally occurring physical entity, association, or structure that exists within the universe. In astronomy, the terms object and body are often used interchangeably.
SunlightLight emitted by the SunThe Sun, as seen from low Earth orbit overlooking the International Space Station. This sunlight is not filtered by the lower atmosphere, which blocks much of the solar spectrum.Sunlight shining upon two different sides of the U.S. state of New Jersey. Sunrise on the Jersey Shore at Spring Lake, Monmouth County (above), and sunset on the Shore at Sunset Beach, Cape May County (below).
Life-support systemThe evolved life-support systems for our planet contrasts with the combination of equipment that allows survival in an environment or situation that would not support that life in its absence.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.