Exercise
Tap all the highlighted words in the article below to see their definition. ⇩“In order for us to have a future that’s exciting and inspiring, it has to be one where we’re a space-bearing civilization.” – Elon Musk
What were you doing on May 30?
If you had a chance to watch the astronaut launch from Kennedy Space Center, you were part of history!
The launch
What was so special about this launch?
First of all, it marked NASA’s first human space mission in nine years. It was also the first time astronauts were in a completely American-built and operated spacecraft, leaving from American soil.
Additionally, this was the first time the Crew Dragon spacecraft, launched by the Falcon 9 rocket, was carrying humans. It had only transported cargo and test dummies in the past!
The mission
Veteran NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were sent to the International Space Station in a spacecraft they named “Endeavour.” They’ll be back on Earth by August.
So, what are they doing up there?
Behnken is expected to do two spacewalks to replace batteries on a solar power structure. However, this is mostly a test mission to make sure the spacecraft works properly. If everything goes well, it will help certify the spacecraft for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
What’s a Commercial Crew Program?
In 2011, NASA ended its Space Shuttle Program for several reasons, including cost.
Now, rather than running its own space program, NASA is partnering with a private company, SpaceX, to purchase flights for their astronauts—kind of like buying an airplane ticket!
SpaceX
SpaceX is a company that designs, builds, and launches rockets and spacecraft with reusable parts. It was founded by visionary billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2002.
The fact that SpaceX makes reusable parts is important: It will make space travel cheaper and more sustainable.
The main reason Musk wants to cut the costs of space travel is that he has a goal of colonizing Mars. That’s right . . . he’s got plans to build on the Red Planet.
Regardless of what you think of Musk’s intentions, one thing is for sure: His vision is helping bring space travel back to the United States!
What’s next?
With Musk’s big plans and more affordable methods of space travel, we’re heading into an exciting era. Where do you think we’ll go?
SpaceX Comprehension
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It’s a crazy goal, but, we don’t know what happen the future. Ambitious and amazing plans
We never know what the future holds for us.
This subject is very interesting and put me to remember the gold time of many launches during the sixty years
I am glad it reminded you of the sixties.
That’s right, this is the beginning of a new era of space travels and colonization of the space, we must effort us to make that future comes true.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Elon Musk did a big step by launching SpaceX. I hope we will get another way how to spend vacation. Not only on the Earth.
This is a very interesting thought.
He ever has some the most amazing ideas, He is an authentic visionary
His thoughts are very inventive.