Class 10 Science Space Missions Solutions Maharashtra State Board

Maharashtra Board Class 10 Science 1 Solutions

Chapter 10 Space Missions Solutions

Study Maharashtra Board Class 10 Science and Technology Part 1 Chapter 10 Space Missions with clear textbook solutions. Learn why artificial satellites are launched, how different orbits serve different purposes, what launch vehicles do and why space debris matters. A chapter mind map appears on the last page of the solutions PDF.

Chapter objective: Connect the science of satellite motion with the real services provided by space missions, and explain each answer using a clear example.

What Is Included in These Space Missions Solutions?

These Class 10 Science 1 Chapter 10 Space Missions solutions cover artificial satellites, their uses and orbits, launch vehicles, India's space programme, exploration missions and space debris. The answers help Maharashtra Board students connect textbook terms to activities they recognise. For example, a weather satellite gathers information that helps forecasters track clouds and storms, while a navigation satellite helps determine a location.

Different missions need different paths through space. Some satellites pass close to Earth to observe its surface in detail. Others remain in high orbits where they can provide communication services over a large area. A launch vehicle places a satellite into a suitable orbit, but the satellite then performs the intended task. Understanding this difference makes it easier to explain the roles of launch vehicles, satellites and space probes in a textbook answer.

1
Textbook Solutions
2
Satellite Types
3
Indian Examples
4
Mind Map

Class 10 Science 1 Chapter 10: Main Topics

SAT

Artificial Satellites

Compare satellites used for communication, weather studies, Earth observation and navigation.

ORB

Orbits

Learn why the purpose of a satellite helps determine the height and shape of its orbit.

LV

Launch Vehicles

Follow how a rocket lifts a spacecraft and places it on the path needed for its mission.

Important Space Missions Concepts

For a circular orbit: orbital speed v = √(GM/r)
Time for one circular revolution: T = 2πr/v

In these relationships, G is the gravitational constant, M is Earth's mass and r is the distance from Earth's centre to the satellite. For a satellite at height h above Earth, use r = R + h, where R is Earth's radius. The formula describes an ideal circular orbit; a satellite does not keep moving in a straight line because gravity continually changes its direction.

Types and Uses of Satellites

Weather satellites observe the atmosphere, communication satellites relay signals, and navigation satellites help determine position. Earth-observation satellites can also study land, water and forests. When answering a question, first name the satellite's purpose and then give one practical use, such as weather warnings or map navigation.

Orbits and Launch Vehicles

A low Earth orbit brings a satellite relatively close to the planet, which can be useful for observations. A geostationary satellite follows Earth’s rotation and appears to stay over the same region of the equator. Launch vehicles such as India's PSLV and GSLV carry payloads toward suitable orbits; the choice depends on the mission and payload.

Indian Missions and Space Debris

India's space programme includes satellites for practical services and missions for scientific exploration. As a later example beyond the textbook, ISRO's SpaDeX spacecraft successfully docked in orbit in January 2025. Space activity also leaves inactive satellites and fragments behind. Such debris can threaten working spacecraft, so responsible tracking and disposal are important.

How to Study Chapter 10 Space Missions Solutions

  1. Read each textbook question and identify whether it concerns a satellite, orbit, launcher or exploration mission.
  2. Match each type of satellite with its purpose and one everyday application.
  3. For orbit calculations, distinguish Earth's radius from a satellite's height above the surface.
  4. Use verified recent missions only as examples; keep textbook definitions as the basis of the answer.
  5. Review the mind map on the PDF's last page to connect the whole chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Select a question to read a brief explanation with an example.

Why does a satellite remain in orbit instead of falling straight down?
Gravity continually pulls it towards Earth, but its sideways speed carries it forward. It keeps falling around Earth rather than directly onto the surface. Imagine throwing an object horizontally faster and faster: with enough speed and no air resistance, its path can curve around Earth.
What is the difference between an artificial satellite and a launch vehicle?
An artificial satellite is the payload that works in space, such as a weather or communication satellite. A launch vehicle is the rocket that carries it into the required orbit. India's PSLV is a launch vehicle, not a weather satellite.
Why do satellites use different orbits?
The orbit must suit the satellite's job. A low orbit can help capture detailed Earth images, while a geostationary satellite appears above approximately the same region and is useful for communication or weather observation.
What is a geostationary satellite?
It travels above the equator in the same direction as Earth's rotation and takes about one day to complete an orbit. From the ground it appears nearly fixed over one region, which helps a dish antenna keep pointing towards it.
What is space debris and why is it dangerous?
Space debris consists of human-made objects that no longer serve a purpose, such as inactive satellites and fragments. They move very fast, so even a small piece could damage a working satellite or spacecraft.
What is a recent example of an Indian space technology mission?
ISRO's SpaDeX mission successfully docked two satellites in orbit on 16 January 2025. Docking means the spacecraft joined while both were moving through space. It demonstrates a capability useful for future operations in orbit.
Where is the Chapter 10 mind map?
It is on the last page of the Space Missions solutions PDF. Use it to connect satellite uses, types of orbit, launch vehicles and the challenges of space exploration.
Download