Question

Which is the most dominant force in spacecraft flight dynamics?

(a) Gravitational force

(b) Nuclear force

(c) Air resistance force

(d) Lift and drag

I have been asked this question in unit test.

This intriguing question comes from Flight Dynamics in chapter Flight Dynamics and Control of Aircraft Maintenance

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) Gravitational force

The explanation: The most dominant force in spacecraft flight dynamics, is the gravitational force. This is because aerodynamic forces affecting the spacecraft in air, are very small, thereby making gravitational force dominant.