©NASA/Firefly Aerospace Via AP
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think it takes to land something on the moon?
- Do you think the technology is ready for more moon landings? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- promote /pruh-MOHT/
- achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/
- despite /dih-SPAHYT/
- private /PRAHY-vit/
- sustainable /suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/
[verb] – to encourage people to do or buy something
The company wants to promote its new product.
[noun] – something important that you succeed in doing after trying hard
Winning the race was her greatest achievement.
[preposition] – in spite of; even though
Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
[noun] – not controlled or owned by the government; belonging to individuals or organizations
Private companies operate independently of the government.
[adjective] – able to continue for a long time without causing harm
Using renewable energy is more sustainable for the planet.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A private lunar lander, Blue Ghost, successfully landed on the moon on Sunday. This event is a significant moment for space exploration. The lander was created by Firefly Aerospace as part of NASA’s commercial lunar delivery program. The mission, launched from Florida in January, carried 10 experiments for NASA, including tools for collecting moon dirt and measuring temperature beneath the surface. The landing took place in a region of the moon called Mare Crisium, located about 225,000 miles from Earth. NASA invested $101 million in this mission to promote lunar research and the development of a new economy in space.
The successful landing presents new opportunities for private space companies to engage in lunar activities. Firefly Aerospace’s achievement is the first by a private company to land on the moon without failure. This is important because few nations have managed to land on the moon successfully. The scientific tools onboard the lander will provide valuable data to help future missions. These include advanced navigation techniques for upcoming lunar explorations. Despite challenges like the harsh environment of the moon and technical problems, this mission shows that technological advancements in space exploration are possible. Experts believe that continued collaboration between private companies and space agencies like NASA can improve the speed of exploration and help build a sustainable economy on the moon.
The successful landing presents new opportunities for private space companies to engage in lunar activities. Firefly Aerospace’s achievement is the first by a private company to land on the moon without failure. This is important because few nations have managed to land on the moon successfully. The scientific tools onboard the lander will provide valuable data to help future missions. These include advanced navigation techniques for upcoming lunar explorations. Despite challenges like the harsh environment of the moon and technical problems, this mission shows that technological advancements in space exploration are possible. Experts believe that continued collaboration between private companies and space agencies like NASA can improve the speed of exploration and help build a sustainable economy on the moon.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the name of the private lunar lander that landed on the moon?
- Where did the Blue Ghost land on the moon?
- Who created the Blue Ghost lander?
- What was carried by the Blue Ghost for NASA?
- How far is Mare Crisium from Earth?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever heard of any private companies sending missions to space? If so, what do you think of their work? If not, would you want to learn more?
- Do you have any experiences related to space or space exploration, like watching a rocket launch? If so, can you describe it? If not, would you like to attend a space event?
- Do you agree that private companies should be allowed to work on space exploration?
- What do you think is the most important thing for a private company to have in space exploration?
- Why do you think NASA works with private companies on missions like this?