Artemis II Re-entry Science

Aerospace Engineering

An exploration of the physics and engineering challenges the Artemis II crew faces during their high-speed return to Earth, including hypersonic speeds, extreme heat, and communication blackouts.

Space Exploration Physics Engineering

12 Questions Medium Ages 12+ Apr 12, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Aerospace Engineering through 12 practice questions. An exploration of the physics and engineering challenges the Artemis II crew faces during their high-speed return to Earth, including hypersonic speeds, extreme heat, and communication blackouts. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

Questions & Answers

Browse all 12 questions from the Artemis II Re-entry Science study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 Who is the Commander of the Artemis II mission?

A Dr Chris James
B Reid Wiseman
C Hayabusa
D Elon Musk

2 What is the approximate speed of the Orion spacecraft during re-entry?

A Mach 10
B Mach 20
C Mach 30
D Mach 50

3 At what temperature must the Orion spacecraft survive during re-entry?

A 1,000°C
B 2,000°C
C 3,000°C
D 5,000°C

4 What state of matter is the gas surrounding the craft during re-entry that blocks communication?

A Solid
B Liquid
C Gas
D Plasma

5 What is the approximate velocity of a spacecraft returning from the Moon?

A 5 km/s
B 8 km/s
C 11 km/s
D 15 km/s

6 How much kinetic energy is involved in a return from the Moon compared to low Earth orbit?

A Half as much
B The same
C Almost double
D Ten times more

7 What is the kinetic energy of a spacecraft returning from the Moon?

A 32 MJ/kg
B 60 MJ/kg
C 100 MJ/kg
D 11 MJ/kg

8 What is the simplest type of planetary entry that uses no aerodynamic techniques?

A Skip entry
B Gliding entry
C Ballistic entry
D Double dip

9 How many g-forces can a ballistic entry produce, making it unsafe for humans?

A Up to 5 g
B Up to 10 g
C Up to 50 g
D Up to 100 g

10 What did the Space Shuttle use to reduce g-forces to around 1 g?

A Parachutes
B Aerodynamic lift
C Retro-rockets
D Airbags

11 What is the term for flying a capsule off-axis to produce lift?

A Angle of attack
B Vertical drop
C Spin stabilization
D Orbiting

12 What is the name of the heat shield material used on the Orion capsule?

A PICA-X
B AVCOAT
C Carbon-Carbon
D Titanium

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