Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- aboard /uh-BAWRD/
- resolve /ri-ZOLV/
- uncrewed /uhn-KROOD/
- complication /kom-pli-KEY-shuhn/
- transportation /trans-per-TEY-shuhn/
[preposition] – on or onto (a ship, aircraft, or train)
The astronauts are staying aboard the space station.
[verb] – to find a solution to a problem
We need to resolve the problem with the computer.
[adjective] – not having any crew or people on board
The uncrewed spacecraft flew to the moon.
[noun] – a problem or difficulty that makes a situation more difficult
The new plan had many complications that made it hard to follow.
[noun] – the act of moving people or goods from one place to another
Public transportation includes buses and trains.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS) longer than planned due to problems with their Boeing Starliner capsule. Their return, which was originally scheduled for mid-June, has been delayed due to malfunctions, including thruster failures and helium leaks. No new return date has been established yet, according to NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich. The primary objective is to bring the astronauts back on the Starliner once these issues are resolved, although alternative options such as SpaceX’s Dragon capsule are being considered.
Engineers have recently tested a spare thruster and will continue to investigate the causes of the malfunctions that occurred on June 6 during the Starliner’s approach to the ISS. Preliminary findings suggest that degraded seals might be responsible for the helium leaks and thruster problems, but additional data is needed. Boeing intends to test-fire the thrusters while the capsule remains docked to the space station. This mission represents Boeing’s first crewed test flight, following an uncrewed test in 2019 that failed to reach the ISS due to software issues, and another test in 2022 with additional complications. SpaceX, which has been transporting astronauts since 2020, is also dealing with issues of its own, as its Falcon 9 rockets are currently grounded due to an upper-stage failure. NASA’s investment in private companies like Boeing and SpaceX, amounting to billions of dollars, aims to ensure reliable transportation for astronauts to the ISS.
Engineers have recently tested a spare thruster and will continue to investigate the causes of the malfunctions that occurred on June 6 during the Starliner’s approach to the ISS. Preliminary findings suggest that degraded seals might be responsible for the helium leaks and thruster problems, but additional data is needed. Boeing intends to test-fire the thrusters while the capsule remains docked to the space station. This mission represents Boeing’s first crewed test flight, following an uncrewed test in 2019 that failed to reach the ISS due to software issues, and another test in 2022 with additional complications. SpaceX, which has been transporting astronauts since 2020, is also dealing with issues of its own, as its Falcon 9 rockets are currently grounded due to an upper-stage failure. NASA’s investment in private companies like Boeing and SpaceX, amounting to billions of dollars, aims to ensure reliable transportation for astronauts to the ISS.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had to resolve a major problem at school or home? If so, what steps did you take? If not, what kind of issue do you think you might face in the future?
- Have you ever been in a situation where you had to remain aboard or stay in a place longer than planned? If so, what was the reason? If not, how would you feel about it?
- Do you agree that investing in private companies like Boeing and SpaceX is essential for future space exploration?
- What are some potential long-term impacts of the delays caused by the issues with the Starliner capsule on future space missions?
- What lessons can be learned from the complications faced during the uncrewed test flights?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- schedule
- malfunction
- objective
- investigate
- reliable