Prepare for the Cadet Competition Written Exam. Dive into challenging multiple-choice questions with comprehensive hints and explanations. Ace your cadet test with confidence and excel in your journey to becoming a top cadet!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What communicates satellite performance back to the controller?

  1. Telemetry

  2. Telemetry and tracking

  3. Remote sensing

  4. Communication links

The correct answer is: Telemetry

Telemetry is the correct choice because it refers specifically to the process of collecting and transmitting data regarding the performance and operational status of a satellite back to ground control. This information can include various operational parameters such as battery voltage, temperature, and system health, which are essential for monitoring the satellite's functionality and ensuring it operates as intended. While tracking also plays a role in satellite management, it primarily focuses on determining the satellite's position and trajectory rather than on its performance data. Remote sensing pertains to the collection of information about the satellite's surrounding environment, such as Earth observations, which is different from the performance data communication needed by controllers. Communication links facilitate the transfer of data but do not specifically denote the performance-related data that telemetry encompasses.