-
The Washington post – NASA’s newest space habitat looks sort of like a kids’ moon bonce, a big, bright, inflatable globe that could be lots of fun to play in. Soon astronauts on the International Space Station could get the chance to try . The expandable habitat made by Bigelow Aerospace recently passed NASA’s strict certification requirements and is scheduled to be flown to the station in September.
Called the BEAM ( Bigelow Expandable Activity Module), the habitat would be attached to the space station, where it would stay for two years. While there, it would be tested to see how it handles the rigors of space – the radiation, the station’s movement and even how it stands up to the debris (碎片) flying around in orbit.
The private Las Vegas company, founded by millionaire real estate mogul(地产大亨) Robert Bigelow, won a $17.8 million contract from NASA to provide the module to the space station.
“Today is the first step, but it’s a big step,” said Bigelow’s George Zamka. Replace the space station or make it larger. It also hopes to build the habitats on the moon. Its B330 module would be even bigger, with 330 cubic meters of internal (内部的 ) space. The modules could be connected. Creating research facilities, the company says, or even space hotels.
In an interview ,NASA’s William Gerstenmaier, said he was eager to see how the module performs , and said he was especially pleased “ to see how the private sector can step up and help us meet our requirements.” The module will be flown to the space station by SpaceX, the first commercial company to res
upply the space station.
1.What would be the best title for this passage?
A. NASA’s space habitats flown to the station.
B. NASA’s space habitat it the station.
C. NASA’s new expandable space habitat.
D. NASA’s newest inflatable globe.
2.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. NASA’s newest space habitat is a kids’ moon bounce.
B. Astronauts of Bigelow Aerospace could get the chance to try the space habitat.
C. NASA was founded by Robert Bigelow.
D. The B330 module to be built on the moon would be with an inside space of 330 cubic meters.
3.The underlined word “rigors” in Paragraph 2 refers to “_________”.
A. difficulties B. environments
C. movements D. changes
4.The passage is most probably taken from ________.
A. a newspaper B. a booklet
C. a magazine D. a science fiction
-
The US space agency NASA is looking for people to go to Mars, and stay there. This attractive career is for people who want a huge change of scenery and planet. The project is called the Hundred Years Starship, which aims to colonize (开拓殖民地) other lands such as the red planet Mars.
Settlers would travel to the red planet and live there forever. NASA says it would be too expensive to bring humans back to Earth. The space agency can afford, however, to send supplies to the astronaut pioneers from Earth. Astronauts would be landed on the planet's surface and would never be able to return home due to the cost.
NASA has started the project with $1.6 million, and hopes to attract investment from space-living billionaires. Google co-founder Larry Page told NASA he would be interested if the cost of a one-way ticket can go down from $10 billion to $2 billion.
The journey to Mars could take 4 months. Setting on the red planet would be extremely dangerous, especially given the freezing temperatures there. The thin atmosphere would be another problem as it is mostly carbon dioxide, so oxygen supplies are a must. A director in NASA said that he believed the trip might start with visiting Mars's moons first. He claimed that humans could be on Mars's moons by 2030.
Many scientists think colonizing space is absolutely necessary. Steven Hawking believes we must move to other planets to survive as a species. He said: “Once we spread out into space and establish independent colonies, our future should be safe.” Scientists Dirk' Schulze-Makuch and Paul Davies also call it a “desirable goal”, though there surely are huge risks to explore new lands.
1.Which of the following is TRUE about the Hundred Years Starship?
A．It has cost NASA around $10 billion.
B．It is expected to be conducted on Mars in 2030.
C．It aims to explore new lands in the universe.
D．It is a project first raise by Steven Hawking.
2.We can infer from the passage that Google co-founder Larry Page _______.
A．used to be an astronaut B．is no longer rich now
C．is a fan of space travel D．is a generous man
3.What would be the best title for the passage?
A．One-way trip to Mars
B．Mars's another moon is found.
C．Human landing on Mars.
D．NASA's first cooperation with Google.
-
Since people first launched rockets into space in the 1950s, we have been leaving behind all sorts of things. Some of them, like the camera, were lost by astronauts while they did work outside their spacecraft. But much of the space junk is made up of little pieces of things that were once bigger objects, until they struck each other and broke apart.
Some things we send into space fall back toward Earth and burn up in the atmosphere. But larger pieces sometimes survive the extreme heat and hit the ground or the ocean at great speeds. So there is always concern that something may fall from the sky and do some harm.
But space junk falling on roofs is not the biggest worry. Scientists are concerned about the “Kessler” problem. Imagine what happens when an empty rocket strikes another while orbiting the earth. Two big things become many smaller things. They then hit other things. The pieces get smaller and smaller until they form a cloud of junk that blocks the path of future space vehicles.
Marco Castronuovo, an Italian Space Agency researcher, says launching a satellite into space that would get very close to some of the larger pieces of space junk. The satellite would connect a small rocket to the useless object. When the rocket explodes, it pushes the junk into a lower and slower orbit, nearer the Earth. After a time, the junk burns up in the atmosphere. Mr.Castronuovo has proposed using a number of small satellites with robotic arms. One arm would catch the space junk, and another arm would connect the rocket. He imagines that each satellite could jump from one large piece of junk to another. He thinks this method could destroy about ten large objects each year.
Scientists have been concerned about space junk for many years. Right now, the costs of the cleanup have been too great. Mr.Castronuovo says his system could be put in place for a much more reasonable amount of money. So what can be done to clean up the space around our planet?
1.We can learn from the text that much of the space junk ________.
A. was left by the astronauts on purpose
B. is mainly made up of broken spaceship
C. is usually made of small pieces of things
D. burns up before it reaches the atmosphere
2.Now scientists are most worried that space junk will ________.
A. harm the future space vehicles
B. do some harm to the atmosphere
C. fall on people's house roofs
D. destroy the habitat of wildlife
3.It implies in the last but one paragraph that ________.
A. clearing up the space will actually cost little
B. small rockets also do harm to the atmosphere
C. only robots can clear up the space completely
D. it is still difficult for us to clear up the space
4.What is the text mainly about?
A. Space junk threatens earth's orbital environment.
B. Scientists use different methods to clear up space junk.
C. Spacecrafts will meet with a lot of space junk in the future.
D. Marco comes up with many methods to deal with space junk.
-
NASA has opened the door to the next generation of space discovery by announcing great plans for a base for humans to live on the surface of the moon forever.
The project to build a base on the moon will begin soon after 2020, with astronauts living there within four years.
The project comes after several excellent scientists and environmentalists asked humans to look beyond Earth to ensure the survival of the species (物种).
Eventually, the moon will be a base for humans to explore the solar system and one day land on Mars.
NASA began planning for the first moon landing since 1972 when George Bush, the US president, announced his new plan for space exploration four years ago.
NASA has already talked about the design of the Orion spacecraft that will replace the old space shuttle fleet in 2010.
The plan for the moon base, however, is the first detailed explanation of how NASA intends to prepare for the first manned exploration of deep space and a possible Mars mission within 30 years.
Scientists also believe that the south pole on the moon contain rich natural gases such as the rare helium-3 that could be used as fuel for the generation of nuclear power. Besides, teams of astronauts living there for six months at a time would mine for hydrogen and oxygen to make water and possibly rocket fuel.
1.The reasons why NASA has begun the plan to explore space include the followings except ________.
A. to protect Earth
B. to explore deep space
C. to finish Mars mission
D. to show how powerful the USA is
2.In the future, when people fly to the moon, they will probably not bring with them too much ________
A. hydrogen B. food C. oxygen D. water
3.The passage mainly talks about ________.
A. the USA’s new plan for space exploration
B. how to build a base on the moon
C. why to ensure the survival of the species
D. where to get new natural resources
-
NASA has opened the door to the next generation of space discovery by announcing great plans for a base for humans to live on the surface of the moon forever.
The project to build a base on the moon will begin soon after 2020, with astronauts living there within four years.
The project comes after several excellent scientists and environmentalists asked humans to look beyond Earth to ensure the survival of the species (物种).
Eventually, the moon will be a base for humans to explore the solar system and one day land on Mars.
NASA began planning for the first moon landing since 1972 when George Bush, the US president, announced his new plan for space exploration four years ago.
NASA has already talked about the design of the Orion spacecraft that will replace the old space shuttle fleet in 2010.
The plan for the moon base, however, is the first detailed explanation of how NASA intends to prepare for the first manned exploration of deep space and a possible Mars mission within 30 years.
Scientists also believe that the south pole on the moon contain rich natural gases such as the rare helium-3 that could be used as fuel for the generation of nuclear power. Besides, teams of astronauts living there for six months at a time would mine for hydrogen and oxygen to make water and possibly rocket fuel.
1.The reasons why NASA has begun the plan to explore space include the followings except ________.
A. to protect Earth
B. to explore deep space
C. to finish Mars mission
D. to show how powerful the USA is
2.In the future, when people fly to the moon, they will probably not bring with them too much ________
A. hydrogen B. food C. oxygen D. water
3.The passage mainly talks about ________.
A. the USA’s new plan for space exploration
B. how to build a base on the moon
C. why to ensure the survival of the species
D. where to get new natural resources
-
NASA has opened the door to the next generation of space discovery by announcing great plans for a base for humans to live on the surface of the moon forever.
The project to build a base on the moon will begin soon after 2020, with astronauts living there within four years.
The project comes after several excellent scientists and environmentalists asked humans to look beyond Earth to ensure the survival of the species (物种).
Eventually, the moon will be a base for humans to explore the solar system and one day land on Mars.
NASA began planning for the first moon landing since 1972 when George Bush, the US president, announced his new plan for space exploration four years ago.
NASA has already talked about the design of the Orion spacecraft that will replace the old space shuttle fleet in 2010.
The plan for the moon base, however, is the first detailed explanation of how NASA intends to prepare for the first manned exploration of deep space and a possible Mars mission within 30 years.
Scientists also believe that the south pole on the moon contain rich natural gases such as the rare helium-3 that could be used as fuel for the generation of nuclear power. Besides, teams of astronauts living there for six months at a time would mine for hydrogen and oxygen to make water and possibly rocket fuel.
1.When was the plan to explore space first announced according to the passage?
A．In 1972. B．In 1950. C．In 1968. D．In 2020.
2.The reasons why NASA has begun the plan to explore space include the followings except ________.
A．to protect Earth B．to explore deep space
C．to finish Mars mission D．to show how powerful the USA is
3.In the future, when people fly to the moon, they will probably not bring with them too much ________
A．hydrogen B．food C．oxygen D．water
4.The passage mainly talks about ________.
A．the USA’s new plan for space exploration
B．how to build a base on the moon
C．why to ensure the survival of the species
D．where to get new natural resources
-
The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC has thousands of objects on display, including the 1903 Wright Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, and a lunar rock you can touch. In addition to our exhibition galleries, you may want to visit the Albert Einstein Planetarium, Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, and the Public Observatory on the east end. There are many things to do at the Museum in DC. We offer daily tours and educational activities for both children and adults. We also have scheduled lectures and events throughout the year.
Hours & Admission: Open every day except December 25. Admission is free.
Regular hours: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Extended Hours: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
December 26— 30, 2015
March 30—April 20, 2016
Fridays and Saturdays, April 24—May 16, 2016
May 17—September 7, 2015
VISITING TIPS:
Limit the Number of Bags: All visitors are screened through metal detectors upon entry. The fewer items you bring inside the Museum, the faster your entry. Before you visit, please review the list of prohibited items, which include pocket knives and tripods(三脚架). Visitors carrying prohibited items will not be allowed inside the museum, so please leave them at home or in your car.
No food and Drink: Only bottled water is permitted in the Museum. You may only consume food and other drinks in the Food Court, not in the Museum. Groups who bring food are encouraged to picnic on the National Mall.
Please Take Photos: You are welcome to take photos for personal use. However, tripods and monopods(单脚架) are not permitted without approval.]
First Aid: The Museum has a First Aid office and a nurse on duty. Please contact the nearest security officer or the Welcome Center for assistance.
Visit the Welcome Center: At our Welcome Center in the South Lobby, staff and volunteers can answer any questions you have during your visit.
Phone: 202-633-2214
E-mail: NASM-VisitorServices@si. edu
1.According to the passage, the National Air and Space Museum is a museum _____.
A. where only adults can take part in some educational activities
B. everyone can pay a visit to without buying tickets
C. where one can touch anything he likes
D. everyone can visit without time limits all the year round
2. If the Greens plan to visit the Museum at 6:00 pm, it is accessible on ______.
A. July 6, 2016 B. March 1, 2016
C. December 24, 2015 D. September 15, 2016
3.What are the visitors allowed to take into the museum?
A. pocket knives B. tripods
C. bottled water D. monopods
4.A visitor to the museum can _____.
A. eat and drink in the Museum or in the Food Court
B. take photos with tripods for personal use
C. bring fewer bags to go through metal detectors
D. get some medical treatment if he suddenly falls ill
5.The purpose of this passage is to ______.
A. make an advertisement for the museum
B. attract people to explore the universe
C. encourage adults to bring their children there
D. show what is on display in the museum
-
The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC has thousands of objects on display, including the 1903 Wright Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, and a lunar rock you can touch. In addition to our exhibition galleries, you may want to visit the Albert Einstein Planetarium, Lockheed Martin IMAX Theatre, and the Public Observatory on the east end. There are many things to do at the Museum in DC. We offer daily tours and educational activities for both children and adults. We also have scheduled lectures and events throughout the year.
Hours and Admission: Open every day except December 25. Admission is free.
Regular Hours: 10:00 a. m. to 5:30 p. m.
Extended Hours: 10:00 a. m. to 7:30 p. m.
December 26-30, 2016 March 30-April 20, 2017
Fridays and Saturdays, April 24-May 16, 2017
May 17-September 7, 2017
VISITING TIPS：
Limit the number of bags: All visitors are screened through metal detectors upon entry. The fewer items you bring inside the Museum, the faster your entry will be. Before you visit, please review the list of prohibited items, which include pocket knives and tripods (三脚架). Visitors carrying prohibited items will not be allowed inside the Museum, so please leave them at home or in your car.
No Food or Drink: Only bottled water is permitted in the Museum. You may only consume food and other drinks in the Food Court, not in the Museum. Groups who bring food are encouraged to picnic on the National Mall.
Please Take Photos: You are welcome to take photos for personal use. However, tripods and monopods (单脚架) are not permitted without approval.
First Aid: The Museum has a First Aid office and a nurse on duty. Please contact the nearest security officer or the Welcome Centre for assistance.
Visit the Welcome Centre: At our Welcome Centre in the South Lobby, staff and volunteers can answer any questions you have during your visit.
Open: 10:00 a. m. to 5:30 p. m.
Phone: 202-633-2214
E-mail: NASM-visitorservice@ si.edu
1.According to the passage, the National Air and Space Museum is a museum ________.
A.where only adults can take part in some educational activities
B.where one can touch anything he likes
C.everyone can visit without time limits all the year round
D.everyone can pay a visit to without buying tickets
2.A visitor to the Museum can ________.
A.take photos with tripods for personal use
B.get some medical treatment if he suddenly falls ill
C.bring fewer bags to go through metal detectors
D.eat and drink in the Museum or in the Food Court
3.The purpose of this passage is to ________.
A.attract people to explore the universe B.encourage adults to bring their children there
C.make an advertisement for the museum D.show what is on display in the museum
-
阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。
NASA has a new job listing, and it’s no joke. The US space agency is looking for a “joker” to join their 1. (plan) mission to Mars.
A mission to Mars is no laughing matter. 2. is known that Mars is 225 million kilometers away from Earth. A trip there would take around eight months in a small spacecraft. “When you’re living with others in a confined (封闭的) space for a long period of time, such as on a mission to Mars, problems are likely 3. (happen)” Jeffrey Johnson, a scientist at the University of Florida, 4. (say) to the Guardian. This is probably 5. NASA wants an astronaut with a sense of humor. “These are people that have the 6. (able) to pull everyone together.” Johnson said.
In 7. (stress) situations, perhaps humor is a way to know we aren’t alone. We can share our stress by 8. (laugh) together. Then we can focus on our jobs instead of just worrying.
But if you’re hoping that your favorite TV comedian will fly to Mars, that 9. (possible) won’t happen. “Being funny won’t be enough to land somebody the job,” Johnson said, “They also need to be an excellent scientist and engineer.” Besides, it’s required that they 10. (be) in top physical condition.
-
—The Youth League Committee is looking for volunteers for the promotion of rubbish-sorting. Would you like to join in?
—________. Everyone should do his bit.
A.You asked for it B.You bet
C.You have my word D.You’ve got me there
upply the space station.