Describe satellite spacecraft propulsion considerations that affect lifetime and station-keeping.

Describe satellite spacecraft propulsion considerations that affect lifetime and station-keeping.

• A. Propulsion must provide orbit maintenance and attitude control; fuel budget determines mission life; inefficient allocation reduces lifetime.
• B. Propulsion is only used for launch and has no effect on mission lifetime.
• C. Propulsion is only used for deorbiting at mission end.
• D. Propulsion determines only landing location.

Answer: (A)