Spacecraft in all its diversity is both the pride and concern of humanity. Their creation was preceded by a centuries-old history of the development of science and technology. The space age, which allowed people to look at the world they live in from the outside, lifted us to a new stage of development. A rocket in space today is not a dream, but a subject of concern for highly qualified specialists who are faced with the task of improving existing technologies. What types of spacecraft are distinguished and how they differ from each other will be discussed in the article.
Definition
Spacecraft is a generalized name for any devices designed to operate in space. There are several options for their classification. In the simplest case, manned and automatic spacecraft are distinguished. The former, in turn, are subdivided into spaceships and stations. Different in their capabilities and purpose, they are similar in many respects in terms of structure and equipment used.
Flight Features
Any spacecraft afterThe launch passes through three main stages: launching into orbit, the actual flight and landing. The first stage involves the development by the apparatus of the speed necessary for entering outer space. In order to get into orbit, its value must be 7.9 km/s. The complete overcoming of the earth's gravity involves the development of a second cosmic velocity equal to 11.2 km/s. This is how a rocket moves in space when its target is the remote parts of the space of the Universe.
After the release from attraction, the second stage follows. In the process of orbital flight, the movement of spacecraft occurs by inertia, due to the acceleration given to them. Finally, the landing stage involves reducing the speed of the ship, satellite or station to almost zero.
Stuffing
Each spacecraft is equipped with equipment to match the tasks it is designed to solve. However, the main discrepancy is related to the so-called target equipment, which is necessary just for obtaining data and various scientific studies. The rest of the equipment of the spacecraft is similar. It includes the following systems:
- energy supply - most often solar or radioisotope batteries, chemical batteries, nuclear reactors supply spacecraft with the necessary energy;
- communication - is carried out using a radio wave signal, at a significant distance from the Earth, accurate pointing of the antenna becomes especially important;
- 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 ships, spacecraft are equipped with equipment to constantly determine their own position in space;
- motion - spacecraft engines allow you to make changes in the speed of flight, as well as in its direction.
Classification
One of the main criteria for dividing spacecraft into types is the mode of operation that determines their capabilities. On this basis, devices are distinguished:
- located in geocentric orbit, or artificial Earth satellites;
- those whose purpose is to study remote areas of space - automatic interplanetary stations;
- used to deliver people or necessary cargo to the orbit of our planet, they are called spacecraft, can be automatic or manned;
- designed to keep people in space for a long period, these are orbital stations;
- engaged in 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 moving around it, these are planetary rovers.
Let's take a closer look at some types.
AES (artificial earth satellites)
The first vehicles launched into space were artificialsatellites of the earth. Physics and its laws make launching any such device into orbit a daunting task. Any apparatus must overcome the gravity of the planet and then not fall on it. To do this, the satellite needs to move at the first space velocity or a little faster. Above our planet, a conditional lower limit of the possible location of an artificial satellite is distinguished (passes at an altitude of 300 km). A closer placement will lead to a fairly rapid deceleration of the device in atmospheric conditions.
Initially, only launch vehicles could deliver artificial Earth satellites into orbit. Physics, however, does not stand still, and today new methods are being developed. So, one of the methods often used recently is launching from another satellite. There are plans to use other options as well.
The orbits of spacecraft revolving around the Earth can lie at different heights. Naturally, the time required for one circle also depends on this. Satellites with a period of revolution equal to a day are placed in the so-called geostationary orbit. It is considered the most valuable, since the devices located on it seem to be stationary for an earthly observer, which means that there is no need to create mechanisms for rotating antennas.
AMS (Automatic Interplanetary Stations)
Scientists receive a huge amount of information about various objects of the solar system using spacecraft sent outside the geocentric orbit. AMS objects are planets, and asteroids, and comets, and evengalaxies available for observation. The tasks that are set for such devices require enormous knowledge and effort from engineers and researchers. AWS missions are the epitome of technological progress and are at the same time its stimulus.
Manned spacecraft
Vehicles designed to deliver people to the designated target and return them back, in technological terms, are in no way inferior to the described types. Vostok-1, on which Yuri Gagarin made his flight, belongs to this type.
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 the emergency rescue system, which may become necessary during the launch of the ship into space using a launch vehicle.
Spacecraft, like all astronautics, are constantly being improved. Recently, one could often see reports in the media about the activities of the Rosetta probe and the Philae lander. They embody all the latest achievements in the field of space shipbuilding, calculation of the movement of the apparatus, and so on. The landing of the Philae probe on a comet is considered an event comparable to Gagarin's flight. The most interesting thing is that this is not the crown of humanity's possibilities. We are still waiting for new discoveries and achievements in terms of both space exploration and the construction of aircraft.
