On June 5, two American astronauts, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams, embarked on a test mission to the International Space Station (ISS) with the expectation of returning home shortly after. However, their mission has taken an unexpected turn, and they have now been in space for nearly two months. As they float above the Earth, they face the possibility of missing the summer and even spending Christmas and New Year in space. The astronauts flew aboard a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was the first crewed flight of this new vehicle, intended to assess its performance before regular missions commence.

Unfortunately, the Starliner encountered several issues during its approach to the ISS, including leaks in its propulsion system and failures in some thrusters. While the astronauts successfully arrived at the space station, the safety of the Starliner for their return journey remains uncertain. NASA officials have indicated that no definitive plans have been established regarding their return. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated that while the primary option is to use the Starliner for their return, alternative plans are being considered.

One of the alternatives under consideration is to have Wilmore and Williams return to Earth via a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission scheduled for September, which would mean they could remain aboard the ISS for over eight months instead of the initially planned eight days. If this plan is executed, the Crew Dragon would bring them back in February 2025, while the Starliner would be returned to Earth uncrewed, under computer control. NASA officials have noted that a final decision regarding their return could take a week or more.

The potential use of a SpaceX craft for their return would be a setback for Boeing, which has been striving to compete with SpaceX and its more established Crew Dragon program. Recently, NASA utilized a SpaceX rocket to deliver additional supplies to the ISS, including clothing for the two astronauts. Despite the challenges, both Wilmore and Williams have expressed confidence in their situation, describing the Starliner as “truly impressive” during a recent press briefing.

Although the astronauts are facing an extended stay in space, they remain optimistic and engaged in their work aboard the ISS. Williams, who has previously spent time in space, remarked on the familiarity and comfort of being back in the environment. While their extended mission may be unusual, it is not unprecedented; other astronauts have spent significantly longer periods in space. For instance, Russian astronaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, lasting 437 days. Despite the uncertainties, both astronauts have maintained a positive outlook on their extended mission in space.

Original news source: They went to space for eight days – and could be stuck until 2025 (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out key phrases or concepts from the article without speaking, while the other groups guess what they are. Examples could include “International Space Station,” “Boeing Starliner,” or “SpaceX Crew Dragon.”

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a list of statements related to the article, such as “Space travel is safe,” or “NASA should rely on SpaceX for future missions.” Students will walk around the room and ask their classmates if they agree or disagree with each statement, and they will record the responses to share later.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: On a large piece of paper or a whiteboard, start a mind map centered around the theme of “Space Missions.” Students will take turns adding branches with keywords or phrases related to the content of the article, such as “NASA,” “astronauts,” “Starliner,” “SpaceX,” and “ISS.”

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work individually or in pairs to create a catchy headline for the article that captures its essence. After they create their headlines, they will share them with the class, and the class can vote on the most compelling one.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: After discussing the article, students will write down their predictions regarding the future of space travel, specifically concerning the astronauts’ return mission. They will then share their predictions in small groups, discussing the reasons behind their thoughts.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Who are the two American astronauts mentioned in the article, and what mission did they embark on?
2. What unexpected situation did Wilmore and Williams face during their mission to the International Space Station?
3. What issues did the Boeing Starliner encounter during its approach to the ISS?
4. How long could Wilmore and Williams potentially remain aboard the ISS if they are transferred to the SpaceX Crew Dragon mission?
5. What is the significance of the Crew Dragon mission in relation to Boeing’s Starliner program?
6. How did both astronauts describe the Starliner during a recent press briefing?
7. What previous experience does Sunita Williams have that contributes to her comfort in the space environment?
8. Who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, and how long did that flight last?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

On June 5, two American astronauts, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams, embarked on a test (1)______ to the International Space Station (ISS) with the expectation of returning home shortly after. However, their mission has taken an unexpected turn, and they have now been in space for nearly two months. As they float above the Earth, they face the possibility of missing the summer and even spending Christmas and New Year in space. The astronauts flew aboard a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was the first crewed (2)______ of this new vehicle, (3)______ to (4)______ its performance before regular missions commence.

Unfortunately, the Starliner encountered several issues during its approach to the ISS, including leaks in its propulsion system and failures in some thrusters. While the (5)______ successfully arrived at the space station, the safety of the Starliner for their return (6)______ remains (7)______. NASA officials have indicated that no definitive plans have been (8)______ regarding their return. Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated that while the primary option is to use the Starliner for their return, alternative plans are being considered.

One of the alternatives under consideration is to have Wilmore and Williams return to Earth via a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission scheduled for September, which would mean they could remain aboard the ISS for over eight months instead of the initially planned eight days. If this plan is executed, the Crew Dragon would bring them back in February 2025, while the Starliner would be returned to Earth uncrewed, under computer control. NASA officials have noted that a final decision regarding their return could take a week or more.

The potential use of a SpaceX craft for their return would be a (9)______ for Boeing, which has been striving to compete with SpaceX and its more established Crew Dragon program. Recently, NASA utilized a SpaceX (10)______ to (11)______ additional supplies to the ISS, including (12)______ for the two astronauts. Despite the challenges, both Wilmore and Williams have expressed confidence in their situation, describing the Starliner as “truly impressive” during a recent press (13)______.

Although the (14)______s are facing an extended stay in space, they remain optimistic and engaged in their work aboard the ISS. Williams, who has previously spent time in space, (15)______ on the familiarity and comfort of being back in the environment. While their extended mission may be unusual, it is not unprecedented; other astronauts have spent significantly longer (16)______ in space. For instance, Russian astronaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, lasting 437 days. Despite the uncertainties, both astronauts have maintained a positive outlook on their extended mission in space.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the risks astronauts face when embarking on missions to space?

2. How would you feel if you were in a situation where you had to spend an extended period in space, away from your family and friends?

3. Do you think it is worth the investment for countries to send astronauts into space, considering the risks involved? Why or why not?

4. What is a significant challenge you think astronauts face while living in the International Space Station for an extended period?

5. How do you think an extended stay in space might affect an astronaut’s mental health?

6. Do you like the idea of commercial space travel becoming more common? Why or why not?

7. What is a potential benefit of astronauts spending longer periods in space, in your opinion?

8. How would you feel if you were chosen to be an astronaut and had to face unexpected challenges during your mission?

9. Do you think the collaboration between different space agencies, like NASA and SpaceX, is important for the future of space exploration? Why?

10. What is a lesson you think we can learn from the experiences of astronauts who face unexpected situations in space?

11. How would you react if you were informed that your return from space would be delayed for several months?

12. Do you think the excitement of space travel outweighs the potential dangers involved? Why or why not?

13. What is a quality you believe is essential for astronauts to possess when facing challenges in space?

14. How do you think society’s perception of space travel has changed over the years?

15. Do you think future generations will have more opportunities to travel to space? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. embarked
2. propulsion
3. thrusters
4. definitive
5. alternative
6. setback
7. striving
8. utilized
9. briefing
10. optimistic
11. unprecedented
12. familiarity
13. comfort
14. extended
15. uncertainties

Meanings:
(A) The quality of being well-known or easily recognized
(B) The action of driving or pushing forward
(C) Began a journey or venture
(D) Making great efforts to achieve something
(E) Hopeful and confident about the future
(F) Conclusive and final
(G) A different option or choice
(H) Situations or conditions that are not known or predictable
(I) A meeting or session to provide information or instructions
(J) A reversal or hindrance in progress
(K) Never done or known before
(L) A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint
(M) Made use of something
(N) Small engines used to control the movement of a spacecraft
(O) Lasting longer than usual or expected
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Who are the two American astronauts mentioned in the article?
(a) Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin
(b) John Glenn and Sally Ride
(c) Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams
(d) Mark Vande Hei and Jessica Watkins

2. What spacecraft did the astronauts fly aboard for their mission?
(a) SpaceX Crew Dragon
(b) Apollo 11
(c) Orion
(d) Boeing Starliner

3. What was the initial expectation for the duration of the astronauts’ mission?
(a) Two months
(b) One week
(c) Eight days
(d) Six months

4. What issues did the Starliner encounter during its approach to the ISS?
(a) Communication failures
(b) Leaks in its propulsion system and failures in some thrusters
(c) Power outages
(d) Navigation errors

5. What alternative plan is being considered for the astronauts’ return to Earth?
(a) A SpaceX Crew Dragon mission
(b) A Russian Soyuz spacecraft
(c) A shuttle launch
(d) A private spaceflight

6. What is the potential new return date if the astronauts use the SpaceX Crew Dragon?
(a) February 2025
(b) December 2024
(c) March 2025
(d) January 2025

7. How have the astronauts described the Starliner during their press briefing?
(a) Incredibly flawed
(b) Overly complex
(c) Unreliable
(d) Truly impressive

8. Who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight?
(a) Scott Kelly
(b) Valeri Polyakov
(c) Peggy Whitson
(d) Chris Hadfield

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Despite the challenges of an extended stay in space, Wilmore and Williams maintain a positive outlook and continue to engage in their work aboard the ISS.
2. One primary plan for their return involves using a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission scheduled for September.
3. The Starliner experienced several issues during its approach to the ISS, including propulsion system leaks and thruster failures.
4. NASA has established tentative plans for the return of Wilmore and Williams, as the safety of the Starliner remains uncertain.
5. Both astronauts have expressed confidence in their situation and described the Starliner as “truly impressive.”
6. If the Crew Dragon is not used for their return, Wilmore and Williams could not remain aboard the ISS for over eight months.
7. Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams are American astronauts who began a test mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5.
8. The astronauts flew aboard a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was not the first crewed flight of this new vehicle.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What unexpected challenges did the American astronauts face during their mission to the International Space Station?
2. How has NASA responded to the issues encountered by the Boeing Starliner spacecraft?
3. What alternative plans are being considered for the return of Wilmore and Williams to Earth?
4. How do the experiences of Wilmore and Williams compare to those of other astronauts who have spent extended periods in space?
5. What is the significance of the Starliner’s performance for Boeing in relation to its competition with SpaceX?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Who are the two American astronauts mentioned in the article, and what mission did they embark on?
Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams; they embarked on a test mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

2. What unexpected situation did Wilmore and Williams face during their mission to the International Space Station?
They have been in space for nearly two months instead of returning home shortly after their mission began.

3. What issues did the Boeing Starliner encounter during its approach to the ISS?
The Starliner encountered leaks in its propulsion system and failures in some thrusters.

4. How long could Wilmore and Williams potentially remain aboard the ISS if they are transferred to the SpaceX Crew Dragon mission?
They could remain aboard the ISS for over eight months instead of the initially planned eight days.

5. What is the significance of the Crew Dragon mission in relation to Boeing’s Starliner program?
The potential use of the Crew Dragon for their return would be a setback for Boeing, which is striving to compete with SpaceX and its more established Crew Dragon program.

6. How did both astronauts describe the Starliner during a recent press briefing?
They described the Starliner as “truly impressive.”

7. What previous experience does Sunita Williams have that contributes to her comfort in the space environment?
Sunita Williams has previously spent time in space, which contributes to her familiarity and comfort in the environment.

8. Who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, and how long did that flight last?
Russian astronaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, lasting 437 days.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) mission
(2) flight
(3) intended
(4) assess
(5) astronauts
(6) journey
(7) uncertain
(8) established
(9) setback
(10) rocket
(11) deliver
(12) clothing
(13) briefing
(14) astronaut
(15) remarked
(16) periods
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. embarked
Answer: (C) Began a journey or venture

2. propulsion
Answer: (B) The action of driving or pushing forward

3. thrusters
Answer: (N) Small engines used to control the movement of a spacecraft

4. definitive
Answer: (F) Conclusive and final

5. alternative
Answer: (G) A different option or choice

6. setback
Answer: (J) A reversal or hindrance in progress

7. striving
Answer: (D) Making great efforts to achieve something

8. utilized
Answer: (M) Made use of something

9. briefing
Answer: (I) A meeting or session to provide information or instructions

10. optimistic
Answer: (E) Hopeful and confident about the future

11. unprecedented
Answer: (K) Never done or known before

12. familiarity
Answer: (A) The quality of being well-known or easily recognized

13. comfort
Answer: (L) A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint

14. extended
Answer: (O) Lasting longer than usual or expected

15. uncertainties
Answer: (H) Situations or conditions that are not known or predictable
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Who are the two American astronauts mentioned in the article?
Answer: (c) Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams

2. What spacecraft did the astronauts fly aboard for their mission?
Answer: (d) Boeing Starliner

3. What was the initial expectation for the duration of the astronauts’ mission?
Answer: (c) Eight days

4. What issues did the Starliner encounter during its approach to the ISS?
Answer: (b) Leaks in its propulsion system and failures in some thrusters

5. What alternative plan is being considered for the astronauts’ return to Earth?
Answer: (a) A SpaceX Crew Dragon mission

6. What is the potential new return date if the astronauts use the SpaceX Crew Dragon?
Answer: (a) February 2025

7. How have the astronauts described the Starliner during their press briefing?
Answer: (d) Truly impressive

8. Who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight?
Answer: (b) Valeri Polyakov
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Despite the challenges of an extended stay in space, Wilmore and Williams maintain a positive outlook and continue to engage in their work aboard the ISS. (Answer: True)
2. One primary plan for their return involves using a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission scheduled for September. (Answer: False)
3. The Starliner experienced several issues during its approach to the ISS, including propulsion system leaks and thruster failures. (Answer: True)
4. NASA has established tentative plans for the return of Wilmore and Williams, as the safety of the Starliner remains uncertain. (Answer: False)
5. Both astronauts have expressed confidence in their situation and described the Starliner as “truly impressive.” (Answer: True)
6. If the Crew Dragon is not used for their return, Wilmore and Williams could not remain aboard the ISS for over eight months. (Answer: False)
7. Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams are American astronauts who began a test mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5. (Answer: True)
8. The astronauts flew aboard a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was not the first crewed flight of this new vehicle. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧