Dish Network's satellite, called EchoStar-7, was launched in 2002 and was supposed to be moved further away from Earth. But by 2022, it had only been moved a little bit because it ran out of fuel. The government says it's important for satellite operators to follow the rules because there are more and more satellites in space now. The $150,000 fine is not a lot of money for Dish Network, but it shows that the government has the power to enforce the rules.

A scientist named Dr. Megan Argo thinks that this fine will make other companies pay attention. There are a lot of things flying around in space, and if they crash into each other, it can cause a lot of damage. There have been over 10,000 satellites launched into space since 1957, and more than half of them are not being used anymore. NASA says there are over 25,000 pieces of space junk that are bigger than 10cm. Even something as small as a paint chip can be dangerous if it's moving really fast in space. The government wants everyone to follow the rules and keep space clean.

Original news source: US issues first ever fine for space junk to Dish Network (BBC)

– News Summary
Instructions: In pairs, students will read the article and write a summary of the key points in their own words. They should focus on the main idea, supporting details, and any important vocabulary. After they finish, they can compare their summaries with a partner and discuss any differences or questions they have.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: In small groups, students will discuss their opinions on the topic of space junk and satellite regulations. They should consider questions such as: Should companies be fined for leaving space junk? What are the potential risks of space junk? Should there be stricter regulations for satellite operators? After discussing, each group will choose a spokesperson to share their group's opinions with the class.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Each student will choose 5-10 key vocabulary words from the article. They will then draw a picture to represent each word without using any letters or numbers. After they finish, they can take turns showing their drawings to a partner who will try to guess the word. They can also explain the meaning of the word and its relevance to the article.
– Speed Summarizing
Instructions: In pairs, students will take turns summarizing the article in one minute or less. The goal is to practice speaking fluently and concisely while still conveying the main ideas of the article. After each round, students can switch partners and try again to improve their speed and accuracy.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: In small groups, students will create a list of pros and cons for the government's decision to fine Dish Network for leaving space junk. They should consider both the positive and negative aspects of the decision and discuss the potential impact on satellite operators and space cleanliness. After discussing, each group will choose a spokesperson to present their list to the class.

The US ? has given a company called Dish ? a fine for leaving ? junk in orbit around the Earth. This is the first time the government has done this. Dish Network has to pay $150,000 because they didn't move an old satellite far enough away from other satellites that are still being used. ? junk is made up of old satellites and parts of spacecraft that aren't being used anymore. It's a problem because it could crash into other ?s and cause damage. The government says Dish Network's satellite could have caused a crash. Dish Network's satellite, called EchoStar-7, was launched in 2002 and was supposed to be moved further away from ?. But by 2022, it had only been moved a little bit because it ran out of fuel. The government says it's ? for satellite operators to follow the rules because there are more and more satellites in space now. The $150,000 fine is not a lot of money for Dish Network, but it shows that the government has the power to enforce the rules. A scientist ? Dr. ? Argo thinks that this fine will make ? companies pay attention. There are a lot of ? flying around in space, and if they crash into each other, it can cause a lot of ?. There have been over 10,000 satellites launched into space since 1957, and more than half of them are not being used anymore. NASA says there are over 25,000 pieces of space junk that are ? than 10cm. Even something as ? as a paint chip can be dangerous if it's moving really fast in space. The government wants everyone to ? the rules and keep space clean.

1. What is space junk and why is it a problem?
2. How would you feel if you were a satellite operator and had to pay a fine for leaving space junk in orbit?
3. Do you think it's important for satellite operators to follow the rules? Why or why not?
4. What do you think would happen if space junk crashed into other satellites?
5. How do you think the government can enforce the rules for satellite operators?
6. Do you think the $150,000 fine is enough punishment for Dish Network? Why or why not?
7. What do you think would happen if there were more crashes between space junk and satellites?
8. Have you ever heard of any other companies or organizations being fined for leaving space junk in orbit?
9. How do you think companies can prevent space junk from causing damage to other satellites?
10. Do you think there should be stricter regulations for satellite operators to prevent space junk? Why or why not?
11. What do you think would happen if there were no regulations for satellite operators?
12. How do you think scientists and engineers can clean up space junk?
13. Do you think it's possible to completely clean up space junk? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the presence of space junk affects future space exploration?
15. What do you think individuals can do to help keep space clean?

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