Space MIAD Practice Test

What does the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) do?

1. Regulates thermal management

2. Points and directs the payload

3. Generates propulsion

4. Ensures energy supply

The correct answer is: Points and directs the payload

The Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) plays a crucial role in spacecraft operations by managing its orientation in space. This system is responsible for determining the spacecraft's current attitude—its orientation relative to a reference frame—and adjusting it to achieve desired positions. The ability to point and direct the payload—such as antennas, cameras, and scientific instruments—is essential for functions like communication, data gathering, and observation. In contrast, thermal management involves regulating the spacecraft's temperature, which is not the primary purpose of the ADCS. Similarly, propulsion generation is handled by different systems focused on thrust and trajectory changes, while energy supply is managed by power management systems that ensure the spacecraft has the appropriate energy for all its systems. Therefore, the defining function of the ADCS, which is to point and direct the payload, makes it the correct choice.