Pre-reading questions:
- What do you think are some of the challenges astronauts face during long-duration space missions?
- How do you think astronauts prepare themselves physically and mentally for space missions?
Vocabulary:
- fellow /FEL-oh/
- corporation /kawr-puh-REY-shuhn/
- pride /prahyd/
- passion /PASH-uhn/
- tension /TEN-shuhn/
[adjective] – used to refer to someone who has the same job or interests as you, or is in the same situation as you
I discussed the project with my fellow colleagues to gather their insights and perspectives.
[noun] – a large company or group of companies that is controlled together as a single organization
The multinational corporation announced a merger with a rival company to expand its market presence.
[noun] – a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment in one’s achievements
After years of hard work and dedication, Sofia felt an overwhelming sense of pride as she held her college diploma in her hands.
[noun] – a strong and intense enthusiasm or love for something
Her passion for painting was evident in the vibrant colors and intricate details of her artwork.
[noun] – strained or difficult relations between two parties
The tension between the two rival countries escalated following the border dispute.
Article reading:
Kononenko expressed his pride in his accomplishments from the International Space Station (ISS), where he orbits about 263 miles (423 km) from Earth. He emphasized his passion for space exploration over setting records, stating that he flew into space to pursue his favorite activity, not to break records. Aged 59, Kononenko took over the record from Padalka, who spent a total of 878 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes, and 48 seconds in space. Despite the challenges of space travel, such as the physical effects of weightlessness and time spent away from family, Kononenko remains dedicated to his profession as a cosmonaut. He stressed the challenges of modern space missions and technological advancements. Kononenko’s journey began with his childhood dream, leading to engineering studies and cosmonaut training. His recent mission to the ISS, launched on a Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft last year, underscores ongoing US-Russia collaboration despite tensions.
Comprehension questions
- Who set the new space record mentioned in the article?
- What record did Oleg Kononenko break, and whose record did he surpass?
- When is Oleg Kononenko expected to reach 1,000 days in space?
- How far does the International Space Station (ISS) orbit from Earth?
- What did Oleg Kononenko emphasize about his accomplishments in space?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had a dream that motivated you to pursue a particular career path or goal? If so, what was it, and how did you work towards achieving it? If not, is there a field or activity that you are deeply passionate about? How does this passion drive you forward in life?
- Have you ever faced challenges in your work or studies that required you to adapt to new technologies or advancements? If so, how did you handle them? If not, can you think of any situations where you might need to adapt to new technologies or advancements in the future?
- Do you agree that space exploration serves as a symbol of collaboration between nations, despite strained relations in other areas?
- Considering Oleg Kononenko’s journey from childhood dream to breaking records in space, how important do you think early aspirations are in shaping one’s career path?
- Reflecting on the collaboration between the United States and Russia in space exploration, what role do you think international cooperation plays in advancing scientific progress and overcoming geopolitical tensions?