1.
Which of the following is not one of the three distinct elements that work together to make satellite communication (SATCOM) possible?
Correct Answer
C. Payload segment
Explanation
The payload segment is not one of the three distinct elements that work together to make satellite communication (SATCOM) possible. The three elements that make SATCOM possible are the space segment, control segment, and terminal segment. The space segment refers to the actual satellites in space that transmit and receive signals. The control segment involves the ground-based control centers that monitor and manage the satellites. The terminal segment consists of the user terminals or devices that send and receive signals to and from the satellites. The payload segment, on the other hand, refers to the actual data or information that is transmitted over the satellite communication system.
2.
Which of the following is not a function of the (satellite communication) SATCOM control segment?
Correct Answer
D. Ground control
Explanation
The SATCOM control segment consists of various components responsible for managing satellite communication. Spacecraft control involves monitoring and controlling the satellite's functions and movements in space. Network control involves managing the overall network of satellite communication systems. Payload control involves managing the payload on the satellite, which includes the equipment and systems for communication. Ground control refers to the management and control of the entire SATCOM system from the ground station. Therefore, the correct answer is "Ground control" as it is not a function of the SATCOM control segment.
3.
Which term describes the longest distance across an elliptical orbit?
Correct Answer
B. Major axis
Explanation
The major axis is the correct answer because it refers to the longest distance across an elliptical orbit. In an ellipse, the major axis is the line that passes through the center of the ellipse and is the longest distance between any two points on the ellipse. The minor axis, on the other hand, is the shortest distance across the ellipse. Apogee and perigee are terms used to describe the points in an orbit where an object is farthest and closest to the body it is orbiting, respectively, and are not related to the longest distance across the orbit.
4.
What is the inclination angle of a polar orbit?
Correct Answer
C. 90°
Explanation
The inclination angle of a polar orbit is 90°. A polar orbit is a type of orbit where the satellite passes over or near the Earth's poles on each orbit. In this type of orbit, the satellite's path is perpendicular to the equator, resulting in an inclination angle of 90°. This allows the satellite to cover the entire Earth's surface over time, making it ideal for observing and monitoring the polar regions.
5.
Which are the two types of communications satellites?
Correct Answer
B. Active and passive
Explanation
Communications satellites can be categorized into two types based on their functionality. Active satellites are equipped with transponders that receive signals from Earth and amplify them before transmitting them back to the intended destination. These satellites actively participate in the communication process. On the other hand, passive satellites reflect or redirect signals without amplification. They do not actively participate in the communication process but rather act as signal reflectors. Therefore, the correct answer is "Active and passive."
6.
Which satellite reflects signals transmitted toward it?
Correct Answer
C. Passive
Explanation
Passive satellites reflect signals transmitted toward them. Unlike active satellites, which generate and transmit their own signals, passive satellites simply reflect signals back to Earth. These satellites are commonly used for communication purposes, such as in satellite TV or GPS systems, where the signals are transmitted from the ground, bounce off the passive satellite, and then are received by ground-based receivers.
7.
Which of the following satellite look angle methods is provided by (satellite communication SATCOM planners?
Correct Answer
B. Satellite access authorization
Explanation
Satellite access authorization is a method provided by satellite communication SATCOM planners. This method involves granting permission or authorization to access a satellite for communication purposes. It ensures that only authorized users or terminals can establish a connection with the satellite, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the security and integrity of the satellite communication system.
8.
Which satellite access technique is being used when all channels are pooled and used by any station according to its instantaneous traffic load?
Correct Answer
A. Code division multiple access (CDMA)
Explanation
CDMA is the satellite access technique being used when all channels are pooled and used by any station according to its instantaneous traffic load. In CDMA, multiple signals are transmitted simultaneously over the same frequency band, but each signal is spread using a unique code. This allows multiple users to share the same frequency band and access the satellite resources based on their individual traffic requirements. The pooling of channels and dynamic allocation based on traffic load is a key characteristic of CDMA.
9.
Conflicts regarding Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) ground mobile forces (GMF) satellite resources that cannot be settled by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the regional satellite communications support center (RSSC) are resolved by the
Correct Answer
A. Joint Staff
Explanation
Conflicts regarding Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) ground mobile forces (GMF) satellite resources that cannot be settled by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the regional satellite communications support center (RSSC) are resolved by the Joint Staff. The Joint Staff is responsible for assisting the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying out their responsibilities, including providing military advice to the President and Secretary of Defense. As such, they have the authority and expertise to resolve conflicts and make decisions regarding the allocation of satellite resources for GMF.
10.
One of the functions of the telecommunication certification office is to
Correct Answer
C. Ensure the user agency is prepared to pay for the service
Explanation
The telecommunication certification office is responsible for ensuring that the user agency is prepared to pay for the service. This means that they make sure that the agency has the necessary funds and resources to cover the cost of the telecommunications service requested. This is an important function as it ensures that the agency is financially prepared and can avoid any disruptions or delays in service due to lack of payment.
11.
Telecommunications service orders are issued by the
Correct Answer
D. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
Explanation
The correct answer is Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). DISA is responsible for issuing telecommunications service orders. They are a combat support agency of the Department of Defense (DOD) and provide information technology and communication support to the military. DISA plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating the telecommunications services for the DOD, ensuring efficient and secure communication within the department.
12.
Astronomical time is based on
Correct Answer
D. The apparent motion of the sun in the sky
Explanation
Astronomical time is based on the apparent motion of the sun in the sky because the sun's position in the sky changes throughout the day, indicating the passage of time. This motion is used to determine various astronomical events such as sunrise, sunset, and solar noon. By tracking the sun's movement, astronomers can accurately measure time and create a consistent reference point for celestial observations.
13.
What time scale gives us a universally agreed to standard time scale with the stability and accuracy of atomic time and synchronous operation with the earth’s motion about the sun we can depend on?
Correct Answer
D. Coordinated universal time
Explanation
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is a time scale that provides a universally agreed standard time with the stability and accuracy of atomic time. It also maintains synchronous operation with the Earth's motion about the sun. UTC is widely used as a time standard in various fields such as telecommunications, aviation, and computing. It is based on International Atomic Time (TAI) with leap seconds added to keep it in line with the Earth's rotation. UTC ensures that people around the world can depend on a consistent and reliable time reference.
14.
What two factors cause a quartz oscillator’s resonant frequency to drift?
Correct Answer
B. Temperature and aging
Explanation
Temperature and aging are the two factors that cause a quartz oscillator's resonant frequency to drift. Temperature variations can affect the performance of the oscillator, causing the resonant frequency to shift. Aging, on the other hand, refers to the gradual change in the characteristics of the quartz crystal over time, which can also lead to a drift in the resonant frequency.
15.
The operation of the atomic clock is based on the phenomenon that
Correct Answer
B. Atoms release energy at a particular resonant frequency
Explanation
The operation of the atomic clock is based on the phenomenon that atoms release energy at a particular resonant frequency. This means that when an electric charge is applied to the atoms, they emit energy at a specific frequency. By measuring this frequency, the atomic clock can accurately measure time. This is because the resonant frequency of the atoms is incredibly stable and consistent, making it an ideal basis for precise timekeeping.
16.
To determine the number of hours coordinated universal time (UTC) differs from your local time, you must determine the number of time zones between your location and the location of the zero
Correct Answer
D. Meridian
Explanation
The explanation for the correct answer is that to determine the number of hours coordinated universal time (UTC) differs from your local time, you need to determine the number of time zones between your location and the location of the meridian. The meridian is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and passes through the Greenwich Observatory in London, England. The time at the meridian is considered to be the standard time, known as UTC. By calculating the number of time zones between your location and the meridian, you can determine the time difference between your local time and UTC.
17.
Coordinated universal time (UTC) is based on what kind of clock system?
Correct Answer
B. 24-hour
Explanation
Coordinated universal time (UTC) is based on a 24-hour clock system. This system divides the day into 24 equal parts, with each part representing an hour. UTC is used as a standard time reference worldwide and is based on atomic time, which is highly accurate and does not rely on astronomical events or any specific region's local time. The 24-hour clock system allows for a consistent and uniform representation of time across different time zones and eliminates confusion that can arise from using a 12-hour clock system.
18.
A number of organizations can maintain accurate time-of-day clocks by referencing a standard time interval of one
Correct Answer
A. Second
Explanation
Many organizations maintain accurate time-of-day clocks by referencing a standard time interval of one second. This is because the second is a universally recognized and standardized unit of time. It provides a precise and consistent measurement that allows organizations to synchronize their clocks and ensure accuracy in various applications such as scientific experiments, financial transactions, and telecommunications. Using the second as a reference interval enables organizations to maintain a high level of precision and consistency in timekeeping.
19.
The agency responsible for coordinated universal time (UTC) is the
Correct Answer
B. International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM)
Explanation
The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) is responsible for coordinating universal time (UTC). BIPM is an international organization that ensures the worldwide uniformity of measurements and timekeeping. They maintain and distribute the International Atomic Time (TAI) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) which are used as reference standards for timekeeping around the world. The United States Naval Observatory (USNO), Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are also involved in timekeeping and maintaining accurate time standards, but BIPM is the primary agency responsible for coordinating UTC.
20.
What is multiplexing?
Correct Answer
C. Combining multiple information channels onto a common transmission medium
Explanation
Multiplexing refers to the process of combining multiple information channels onto a common transmission medium. This allows for efficient use of the available bandwidth by transmitting multiple signals simultaneously. Instead of using separate transmission paths for each signal, multiplexing enables the transmission of multiple signals over a single transmission path. This is achieved by dividing the available bandwidth into smaller frequency bands or time slots, each of which can carry a separate signal. By combining multiple signals onto a common transmission medium, multiplexing maximizes the utilization of the available resources.
21.
What specifically does wavelength division multiplexing assign each incoming optical signal?
Correct Answer
B. Frequency of light
Explanation
Wavelength division multiplexing assigns each incoming optical signal a specific frequency of light. This means that different signals can be transmitted simultaneously over a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths of light. Each signal is assigned a specific frequency, allowing them to be separated and transmitted independently. This technique is commonly used in optical communication systems to increase the capacity and efficiency of data transmission.
22.
Which multiplexing division technique samples each low speed channel in sequence to interleave bits or characters and then transmit them at high speed?
Correct Answer
D. Time
Explanation
The correct answer is "Time". Time division multiplexing (TDM) is a multiplexing division technique that samples each low speed channel in sequence, interleaves the bits or characters, and then transmits them at high speed. This allows multiple channels to share the same transmission medium by taking turns transmitting their data during different time slots.
23.
Which of the following relies on the transmitter to send multiple copies of the same message to the distant end using a predetermined algorithm?
Correct Answer
C. Forward error correction
Explanation
Forward error correction is a technique that relies on the transmitter to send multiple copies of the same message to the distant end using a predetermined algorithm. This algorithm adds redundancy to the transmitted data by including error correction codes. These codes allow the receiver to detect and correct errors that may occur during transmission. By sending multiple copies of the message and using error correction codes, forward error correction ensures that the receiver can accurately reconstruct the original message even if there are errors in the transmission.
24.
Which SATCOM system module is used to produce the final transmit frequency?
Correct Answer
A. Up converter
Explanation
The up converter is the SATCOM system module that is used to produce the final transmit frequency. It takes the baseband signal and converts it to a higher frequency that can be transmitted over the satellite link. This module is responsible for the frequency translation and amplification necessary for the signal to be transmitted effectively. The other options, such as the modulator, amplifier, and antenna, play important roles in the SATCOM system, but they do not specifically produce the final transmit frequency like the up converter does.
25.
Which type of power amplifier uses semiconductor transistors designed for microwave and higher frequency RF operation?
Correct Answer
B. Solid state
Explanation
Solid state power amplifiers use semiconductor transistors designed for microwave and higher frequency RF operation. These transistors are capable of amplifying signals at high frequencies, making them suitable for applications in the microwave and RF range. Solid state amplifiers offer advantages such as compact size, high efficiency, and reliability compared to other types of power amplifiers. They are commonly used in communication systems, radar systems, and other high-frequency applications.