Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. reusable
    • ex. The store sells reusable bags that customers can use for shopping many times.
  2. hover
    • ex. The helicopter hovered above the building while the rescue team prepared to land.
  3. upright
    • ex. The bottle stayed upright on the table.
  4. a replacement
    • ex. The company sent a replacement for the broken machine.
  5. durable
    • ex. These shoes are durable because they can last for many years.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Japan tested a new reusable rocket. The rocket completed its first flight and landed safely at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) testing center. The RV-X lifted off, hovered, moved sideways, and landed during a flight lasting less than one minute. Officials said the test followed the planned path. The rocket was stable and under control during the flight. Engineers watched the test closely and were happy with the successful result.

Project manager Takashi Ito said the rocket rose 11 meters and traveled 16 meters while staying upright before landing. Japan wants reusable rockets to reduce launch costs and compete with SpaceX in the global space market. The test also helps Japan develop a cheaper replacement for the H3 rocket. The H3 rocket is used for space missions, but it can only be used once.

Japan hopes to use the new technology for future space missions. JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are developing the RV-X with a durable engine and four landing legs. Japan is working with France and Germany on reusable rocket technology. The goal is to make space travel safer, cheaper, and more useful in the future.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Reusable Rockets

  • Do you think using reusable rockets in space is a good idea? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How do you think reusable rockets can change the future of transportation and travel? Discuss.
  • Do you think governments should support companies that develop new space technology? Why or why not? Discuss.

Global Space Market, Missions, and Travel

  • In your opinion, can the global space market bring a business a lot of profit? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • Do you think more countries should work together on space projects and missions? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • If space travel becomes cheaper in the future, what new things might people do? Discuss.