Question 1

What is space exploration?

Accepted Answer

Space exploration is when people and machines travel into space to learn more about the universe. We try to find out amazing things about planets, stars, and everything beyond Earth.

Question 2

Who was the first person to go to space?

Accepted Answer

The first person to go to space was Yuri Gagarin, a cosmonaut from Russia. He flew into space on April 12, 1961.

Question 3

What is a rocket?

Accepted Answer

A rocket is a vehicle that can travel into space. It carries things like astronauts and satellites by pushing out gas really fast to move upwards.

Question 4

Why do rockets fly upwards?

Accepted Answer

Rockets fly upwards because they need to break free from Earth's gravity. By shooting gas downwards, they push themselves upwards, a bit like how a balloon flies forward when the air rushes out.

Question 5

What is gravity?

Accepted Answer

Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards each other. On Earth, gravity keeps us on the ground and makes apples fall to the ground.

Question 6

Who was the first person to walk on the Moon?

Accepted Answer

The first person to walk on the Moon was Neil Armstrong. He took his famous step on July 20, 1969.

Question 7

What is a satellite?

Accepted Answer

A satellite is a machine that orbits, or goes around, a planet. Some send us pictures from space, while others help us with things like phone calls and weather reports.

Question 8

Why is Mars called the Red Planet?

Accepted Answer

Mars is called the Red Planet because of its reddish color. The soil and dust on Mars have iron in them, which makes the planet look red.

Question 9

What is a space shuttle?

Accepted Answer

A space shuttle is a spacecraft that was used by NASA to carry astronauts to space. It could land back on Earth like an airplane.

Question 10

What do astronauts eat in space?

Accepted Answer

Astronauts eat special food that is prepared so it won't float away in space. They have foods like fruits, nuts, chicken, and even macaroni and cheese.

Question 11

Why do astronauts float in space?

Accepted Answer

Astronauts float in space because there is very little gravity there. This feeling of floating is called microgravity, and it makes everything weigh much less.

Question 12

What is the International Space Station?

Accepted Answer

The International Space Station (ISS) is a big space laboratory that orbits Earth. Astronauts from all over the world live and work there to conduct experiments.

Question 13

What does NASA stand for?

Accepted Answer

NASA stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It's the part of the U.S. government responsible for space exploration.

Question 14

What is a comet?

Accepted Answer

A comet is a small, icy object that orbits the Sun. When a comet gets close to the Sun, it heats up and looks like it has a tail.

Question 15

Why is space exploration important?

Accepted Answer

Space exploration helps us understand more about the universe and could make life better on Earth. We discover new things and learn how to protect our planet.

Question 16

What is the Hubble Space Telescope?

Accepted Answer

The Hubble Space Telescope is a telescope that orbits around Earth. It takes amazing pictures of planets, stars, and galaxies far away.

Question 17

What are stars made of?

Accepted Answer

Stars are big balls of hot gases, mostly hydrogen and helium. They produce their own light and heat by burning these gases.

Question 18

How do we know there are other planets around other stars?

Accepted Answer

Scientists use telescopes to find other planets around stars. They look for tiny movements or dimming of the star's light, which can mean a planet is passing in front.

Question 19

What is an astronaut?

Accepted Answer

An astronaut is a person who is trained to travel and work in space. They go on missions to the ISS, the Moon, and maybe one day to Mars.

Question 20

What was the first satellite sent into space?

Accepted Answer

The first satellite sent into space was called Sputnik 1. It was launched by Russia on October 4, 1957.

The history and science of space exploration - 20 FAQs Explained Simply