Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- rocket / ˈrɒk ɪt / (v.) – to move or rise very quickly
Example:Everyone was amazed at the fireworks that rocketed into the night sky.
- frigid / ˈfrɪdʒ ɪd / (adj.) – very cold
Example:He wants to study animals that live in frigid areas like Antarctica.
- fringe / frɪndʒ / (n.) – the outer and narrow part of an area
Example:Scientists use different instruments to study the fringes of Earth’s atmosphere.
- collision / kəˈlɪʒ ən / (n.) – an accident in which two or more things hit each other
Example:The cars were damaged in the collision on the road.
- broadband / ˈbrɔdˌbænd / (n.) – a fast internet connection that doesn’t use phone lines
Example:There are still some rural areas that have slow or no broadband service.
Article
Read the text below.
Amazon’s first batch of internet satellites rocketed into orbit, the latest entry in the mega-constellation market currently dominated by SpaceX’s thousands of Starlinks.
The United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket carried up 27 of Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites, named after the frigid fringes of our solar system beyond Neptune. Once released in orbit, the satellites will eventually reach an altitude of nearly 400 miles (630 kilometers).
Two test satellites were launched in 2023, also by an Atlas V. Project officials said major upgrades were made to the newest version. The latest satellites are also coated with a mirror film designed to scatter reflected sunlight in an attempt to accommodate astronomers.
Stargazers oppose the fast-growing constellations of low-orbiting satellites, arguing they spoil observations. Others fear more satellite collisions.
Founded by Jeff Bezos, who now runs his own rocket company, Blue Origin, Amazon aims to put more than 3,200 of these satellites into orbit to provide fast, affordable broadband service around the globe.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has already launched more than 8,000 Starlinks since 2019. The company marked its 250th Starlink launch on the night of April 27. More than 7,000 Starlinks are still in orbit, some 300-plus miles (550 kilometers) above Earth.
The European-based OneWeb satellite constellation numbers in the hundreds in an even higher orbit.
Amazon has already purchased dozens of rocket launches from United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin for Project Kuiper, as well as others.
“There are some things you can only learn in flight,” despite extensive testing on the ground, said Rajeev Badyal, the project’s vice president.
“No matter how the mission unfolds, this is just the start of our journey,” he said in a statement ahead of the evening liftoff.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Stargazers oppose the fast-growing constellations of low-orbiting satellites, arguing they spoil observations. Others fear more satellite collisions. Do you think the increasing number of satellites in space is something the public should be concerned about? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Today, many companies are sending internet satellites into space. Do the benefits of the growing number of internet satellites outweigh the problems? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Amazon aims to put more than 3,200 of these satellites into orbit to provide fast, affordable broadband service around the globe. Do you think fast and affordable broadband should be a basic service for everyone, just like electricity and water? Why or why not? Discuss.
- How would life change for people in rural or remote areas if they could get fast and affordable broadband through satellites? Do you think everyone should have access to the internet, no matter where they live? Why or why not? Discuss.
