Space Exploration Intermediate

Reading Passage

Humans have always looked up at the stars and dreamed of exploring the universe beyond our planet. Space exploration began in nineteen fifty-seven when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first satellite. This small metal ball orbiting Earth started a race between nations to explore space further. Just twelve years later, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. That historic moment showed the world that reaching the stars was truly possible.

Today, astronauts live and work on the International Space Station floating high above our planet. The station orbits Earth about sixteen times every single day at incredible speeds. Scientists conduct experiments in microgravity to learn how space affects plants, animals, and human bodies. Astronauts must exercise for two hours daily to keep their muscles and bones strong in space. Living in space is challenging but teaches us valuable lessons about human survival beyond Earth.

Robots and spacecraft have traveled to every planet in our solar system and beyond. The Voyager probes launched in nineteen seventy-seven are now the farthest human-made objects from Earth. Mars rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance explore the red planet searching for signs of ancient life. These robots send back amazing photographs and data that scientists use to understand other worlds better. Robotic missions are cheaper and safer than sending humans to dangerous distant locations.

Private companies are now joining governments in the exciting race to explore outer space further. SpaceX has developed rockets that can land and be reused multiple times, saving millions of dollars. Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic offer tourists short trips to the edge of space for adventure. These companies dream of building colonies on the moon and Mars within the next few decades. Space tourism might become as common as airplane travel someday in the future.

The future of space exploration holds incredible possibilities for all of humanity ahead. Scientists hope to find water and resources on other planets that could support human life eventually. Telescopes search for Earth-like planets around distant stars where life might already exist somewhere. Space mining could provide rare metals and minerals that are running low on Earth today. Exploring space pushes technology forward and inspires young people to become scientists and engineers.

수준: Level F

A. Vocabulary Matching

Match each word with its definition.

B. True or False

Write T (True) or F (False) for each statement.

1. Sputnik was launched in 1957. ______
2. Neil Armstrong was the first human on the moon. ______
3. The space station orbits Earth once per day. ______
4. Astronauts must exercise daily in space. ______
5. Voyager probes are the farthest human-made objects. ______
6. SpaceX rockets can only be used once. ______
7. Mars rovers search for signs of life. ______
8. Space tourism is currently impossible. ______
9. Scientists hope to find water on other planets. ______

C. Fill in the Blanks

Word Bank: universe  |  satellite  |  astronauts  |  orbits  |  microgravity  |  explore  |  engineers

1. Humans have always dreamed of exploring the _______________ beyond Earth.
2. Sputnik was the first _______________ launched into space.
3. American _______________ were the first humans to walk on the moon.
4. The International Space Station _______________ Earth about sixteen times daily.
5. Space exploration inspires young people to become scientists and _______________.

D. Comprehension Questions

1. What event started the space race in 1957?
2. Who were the first humans to walk on the moon?
3. Why must astronauts exercise for two hours daily in space?
4. What are Mars rovers searching for on the red planet?
5. How are private companies changing space exploration?

E. Discussion Questions

Talk about these questions with a partner or write your answers.

1. Would you like to travel to space someday? Why or why not?
2. Do you think humans will live on Mars in your lifetime?
3. Why is it important for humans to explore space?

Answer Key

Check your answers below.

A. Vocabulary: 1-f, 2-a, 3-j, 4-d, 5-g, 6-i, 7-e, 8-c, 9-h, 10-b

B. True/False: 1-T, 2-T, 3-F, 4-T, 5-T, 6-F, 7-T, 8-F, 9-T

C. Fill in the Blanks: 1-universe, 2-satellite, 3-astronauts, 4-orbits, 5-engineers

D. Comprehension: 1. The Soviet Union launching Sputnik, the first satellite; 2. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin; 3. To keep their muscles and bones strong in microgravity; 4. Signs of ancient life; 5. They develop reusable rockets and offer space tourism

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