NASA to Launch Two New Spacecraft from US Soil

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. respectively / rɪˈspɛktɪvli / (adv) – in that order or arrangement
    Example:

    In 1969, the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 spacecraft launched in July and November, respectively.


  2. cargo / ˈkɑɚgoʊ / (n) – something that a vehicle carries from one place to another
    Example:

    A spacecraft should not be overloaded with cargo.


  3. autonomously / ɑˈtɑːnəməsli / (adv) – with the ability to control itself
    Example:

    The car can operate autonomously. It doesn’t need a human driver.


  4. novice / ˈnɑːvəs / (n) – someone who is new to a task or is not yet skilled
    Example:

    Veteran astronauts can train all the novices.


  5. historic / hɪˈstorɪk / (adj) – referring to something very important
    Example:

    The launch of the new spacecraft is a historic event for the company.


Article

Read the text below.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced that two spacecraft will be launched from the United States for the first time in seven years.


In 2011, NASA retired its space shuttles, citing costs and aging spacecraft as the main reasons. Since then, American astronauts have been sent to space on board the Russian Soyuz /SAWyooz/ spacecraft, where an individual seat costs over $80 million.


The two spacecraft, the CST-100 Starliner and Crew Dragon, were developed by private companies Boeing and SpaceX, respectively. In 2012, Crew Dragon became the first spacecraft made by a private organization to bring cargo to the International Space Station. SpaceX upgraded it, so it now includes an advanced emergency escape system that can carry astronauts to safety.


The Boeing Starliner, on the other hand, has similarities with the famous Apollo spacecraft but with enhanced features. It can be docked autonomously, requiring less training for astronauts.


The first nine astronauts to fly on the spacecraft have been named, and they consist of both seasoned astronauts and novices.


This launch is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which involved American aerospace companies in creating spacecraft and launch systems. Boeing and SpaceX won the contract back in 2014, and both split the $6.8 billion grant.


Both Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon will be launched in 2019 from Florida, not from Kazakhstan where the Russian Soyuz spacecraft launches. NASA expressed excitement, saying that the launch will be historic because it involves commercial partners. This milestone can also end America’s dependency on Russia for spaceflight.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• What do you think are the pros and cons of involving the private industry in NASA’s program? Discuss.
• Is it better for a country to develop its own spacecraft than to rely on others’ space shuttle program? Explain.

Discussion B

• Do you think your country is capable of developing its own spacecraft? Why or why not?
• What features would be good to add to a spacecraft? Discuss.