CAPF AC 2022 Q72: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
- (a) Blue Origin
- (b) Boeing
- (c) Lockheed Martin
- (d) SpaceX
Answer: (d) SpaceX
Explanation
Falcon 9
How to think: the Falcon rockets belong to SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk in 2002.
Falcon 9 was the first orbital-class rocket whose first stage lands back and flies again.
| Company | Founder or type | Known rockets and craft |
|---|---|---|
| SpaceX | Elon Musk | Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Starship, Dragon capsule |
| Blue Origin | Jeff Bezos | New Shepard, New Glenn |
| Boeing | Aircraft maker | Starliner capsule |
| Lockheed Martin | Defence company | Orion spacecraft, part of United Launch Alliance |
About Falcon 9: it has nine Merlin engines in the first stage, which gives it the number 9.
It launches Starlink satellites and carries astronauts to the International Space Station.
Answer: (d) SpaceX.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Blue Origin makes New Shepard and New Glenn.
- (b) Incorrect. Boeing makes the Starliner capsule and airliners.
- (c) Incorrect. Lockheed Martin builds the Orion spacecraft and military aircraft.
- (d) CORRECT. SpaceX designed and manufactures the reusable Falcon 9.
Key point
SpaceX (Elon Musk, 2002): Falcon 9 (reusable first stage, nine Merlin engines), Falcon Heavy, Starship, Crew Dragon, Starlink. Blue Origin (Jeff Bezos): New Shepard, New Glenn. ISRO's reusable effort: RLV-TD Pushpak.
Remember
Falcon 9 = SpaceX = reusable first stage.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up SpaceX with Blue Origin, which also lands rockets.
- Thinking Falcon 9 is a NASA rocket; NASA only hires it.
- Forgetting that the 9 stands for the nine engines of the first stage.
Exam tip
Educated guess: the landing rocket boosters seen in news videos belong to SpaceX. Falcon, Dragon and Starship are all its names.
Sources
- SpaceX — Falcon 9: first orbital class rocket capable of reflight
- NASA — Commercial Crew Program: SpaceX Crew Dragon and Falcon 9