Robotic Probes and Rovers: Practice Problem Solutions

1. Flyby (Voyager 2), orbiter (Cassini), lander (Viking 1), rover (Curiosity) and sample return (OSIRIS-REx).

2. Using a planet's gravity and motion to speed up or change direction without much fuel. Voyager 2 visited Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune this way.

3. It left the heliosphere and entered interstellar space.

4. Any two of: Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance; also Ingenuity or Viking.

5. A mission to Saturn: Cassini orbited the planet (2004-2017) and its lander Huygens landed on Titan (2005).

6. Radio signals take 3 to 22 minutes to travel one way, so commands arrive too late for real-time control.

7. Robots cost less, need no life support and can go to dangerous places; astronauts can make quick decisions and fix unexpected problems.