SpaceX, the US company founded by Elon Musk, has made significant progress in the development of its new rocket, Starship. The rocket recently completed its second test flight from Texas, reaching higher altitudes than before. Although the flight was cut short due to technical issues, it was evident that previous problems had been resolved. The American space agency, NASA, commended SpaceX on its efforts and expressed its desire to use a version of Starship to land humans on the Moon in the future.

During the test flight, the two-part Starship vehicle aimed to complete a near-complete revolution around the Earth before splashing down near Hawaii. However, the mission was terminated by onboard computers about eight minutes after lift-off for reasons that are still unclear. Despite this setback, the fact that the flight lasted as long as it did is considered a significant step forward for SpaceX. In the previous test flight in April, Starship encountered various issues, including engine failures and failure to separate the Ship at altitude.

Engineers will now investigate the cause of the booster tearing apart shortly after stage separation and the loss of the Ship when it reached a height of nearly 150km. Despite these challenges, SpaceX remains optimistic and views the test flight as a success. Experts outside the company have also acknowledged the improvements made in the latest flight. The successful operation of all 33 engines during lift-off was particularly noteworthy. The data collected from the flight will be instrumental in improving future launches.

Starship is the most powerful rocket system ever developed, with 33 engines producing 74 meganewtons of thrust. If SpaceX can perfect the technology, it will revolutionize space travel by being fully reusable and capable of carrying over a hundred tonnes to orbit in a single launch. This would significantly reduce the cost of space activities. Elon Musk sees Starship as crucial for his vision of establishing a human settlement on Mars and supporting his Starlink project, which aims to create a global network of broadband internet satellites.

While there is still work to be done, the progress made by SpaceX in the development of Starship is commendable. The company and its CEO, Elon Musk, are determined to overcome the challenges and continue pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

Original news source: Elon Musk’s Starship rocket goes further and higher – but is then lost (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students pair up and take on the roles of news reporters covering the recent SpaceX Starship test flight. One student plays the role of a field reporter at the launch site, providing live updates and describing the events of the test flight. The other student is the news anchor in the studio, asking questions and prompting for more information. Students should use vocabulary and information from the article to make their role-play as realistic as possible.

– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Write a series of statements about space exploration, SpaceX’s achievements, and the future of space travel on the board. Students line up according to how strongly they agree or disagree with each statement, with one end of the room representing ‘strongly agree’ and the other ‘strongly disagree.’ Encourage students to discuss their positions with peers nearby and then share their reasons with the class, using persuasive language and vocabulary from the article.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Write down key vocabulary words from the article on slips of paper. One student from a team picks a slip and draws the word for their team to guess within a set time limit. The words could include ‘Starship,’ ‘test flight,’ ‘stage separation,’ ‘thrust,’ or ‘orbital launch.’ If the team guesses correctly, they earn a point. Then it’s the other team’s turn. The team with the most points at the end wins.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to write a short paragraph predicting the future of SpaceX and space travel, based on information from the article. They should include potential technological advancements, the outcome of future test flights, and the impact on human space exploration. After writing, students can share their predictions with a partner and discuss the likelihood of these events.

– Synonym Challenge
Instructions: Write down several words from the article on the board (e.g., significant, commend, terminate, optimistic, revolutionize). Challenge students to come up with as many synonyms as they can for each word. Students can work in small groups and use their phones or dictionaries to find synonyms. After a few minutes, compare answers as a class and discuss any new words, including their nuances and appropriate usage contexts.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What company is responsible for the development of the new rocket, Starship?
2. Where did the second test flight of Starship take place?
3. What specific goal does NASA have for a version of Starship in the future?
4. What was the intended flight path and final destination for the Starship during its test flight?
5. What issues did the Starship face during the previous test flight in April?
6. What significant achievement was noted during the lift-off of the latest test flight?
7. How will the data collected from the latest test flight be used by SpaceX?
8. What are Elon Musk’s long-term plans for Starship in relation to Mars and the Starlink project?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

SpaceX, the US (1)______ founded by Elon Musk, has made significant progress in the (2)______ of its new rocket, Starship. The rocket recently completed its second test (3)______ from Texas, reaching higher altitudes than before. Although the flight was cut (4)______ due to technical issues, it was evident that previous problems had been resolved. The American space agency, NASA, commended SpaceX on its efforts and expressed its desire to use a version of Starship to land humans on the Moon in the future.

During the test flight, the two-part Starship vehicle aimed to complete a near-complete revolution around the Earth before splashing down near (5)______. However, the mission was terminated by onboard computers about eight minutes after lift-off for reasons that are still unclear. Despite this setback, the fact that the flight lasted as long as it did is considered a significant step forward for SpaceX. In the (6)______ test flight in (7)______, Starship encountered various issues, including engine failures and failure to separate the Ship at altitude.

(8)______ will now investigate the cause of the booster tearing apart shortly after stage separation and the loss of the Ship when it reached a (9)______ of nearly 150km. Despite these challenges, SpaceX remains optimistic and views the test flight as a success. (10)______ outside the company have also acknowledged the improvements made in the (11)______ flight. The successful operation of all 33 engines during lift-off was particularly noteworthy. The data collected from the flight will be instrumental in improving future launches.

Starship is the most powerful rocket system ever developed, with 33 engines (12)______ 74 meganewtons of thrust. If SpaceX can perfect the technology, it will revolutionize space travel by being fully reusable and capable of carrying over a hundred tonnes to orbit in a single launch. This would significantly reduce the cost of space (13)______. Elon Musk sees Starship as crucial for his (14)______ of (15)______ a human settlement on Mars and supporting his Starlink project, which aims to create a global network of broadband internet satellites.

While there is still work to be done, the progress made by SpaceX in the development of Starship is commendable. The company and its CEO, Elon Musk, are determined to overcome the challenges and continue pushing the (16)______ of space exploration.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

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

1. What do you think are the biggest challenges in developing a new rocket like SpaceX’s Starship?
2. How would you feel if you were part of the engineering team working on a project with as many complexities as Starship?
3. Do you think space exploration should be a priority for humanity? Why or why not?
4. What is your opinion on the idea of establishing a human settlement on Mars?
5. Do you think the benefits of a global network of broadband internet satellites, such as Starlink, outweigh the potential risks or drawbacks? Why or why not?
6. How do you feel about the concept of fully reusable rockets? Do you think they are achievable in the near future?
7. What is your stance on private companies like SpaceX leading space exploration efforts instead of government agencies?
8. Do you believe that the advancements in rockets like Starship will significantly reduce the cost of space activities? Why or why not?
9. How would you feel about the possibility of space tourism becoming mainstream in your lifetime?
10. Do you think the international community should establish regulations for space travel and exploration? Why or why not?
11. What are your thoughts on the role of competition, such as between SpaceX and other space companies, in driving innovation?
12. How do you think the success of missions like the Starship test flights impact the general public’s interest in space?
13. Do you like the idea of humans colonizing other planets, such as Mars? Why or why not?
14. What is your opinion on the role of onboard computers and automation in modern space travel?
15. How do you think the advancements in space technology could benefit other industries on Earth?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. SpaceX
2. rocket
3. flight
4. progress
5. test
6. engine
7. technology
8. launch

Meanings:
(a) Advancement or improvement
(b) A machine that produces power
(c) The US company founded by Elon Musk
(d) The act of sending something into the air or space
(e) The act of traveling through the air
(f) A vehicle used for space travel
(g) A trial or experiment
(h) The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Who is the founder of SpaceX?
(a) Jeff Bezos
(b) Elon Musk
(c) Mark Zuckerberg
(d) Bill Gates

2. Where did the recent test flight of Starship take place?
(a) California
(b) Florida
(c) New Mexico
(d) Texas

3. What did the American space agency, NASA, commend SpaceX for?
(a) Its successful test flight to the Moon
(b) Its plans to establish a human settlement on Mars
(c) Its efforts in developing Starship
(d) Its creation of a global network of internet satellites

4. Why was the recent test flight of Starship terminated?
(a) Because it completed its mission successfully
(b) Because it ran out of fuel
(c) Because it encountered bad weather conditions
(d) Due to technical issues

5. What is considered a significant step forward for SpaceX?
(a) The fact that the flight lasted as long as it did
(b) The successful operation of all 33 engines during lift-off
(c) The completion of a near-complete revolution around the Earth
(d) The landing of Starship near Hawaii

6. What is the most powerful rocket system ever developed?
(a) Falcon Heavy
(b) Saturn V
(c) Starship
(d) Atlas V

7. What is one potential benefit of perfecting the technology of Starship?
(a) Significantly reducing the cost of space activities
(b) Establishing a human settlement on Mars
(c) Creating a global network of broadband internet satellites
(d) Carrying over a hundred tonnes to orbit in a single launch

8. What is Elon Musk’s vision for Starship?
(a) Creating a global network of broadband internet satellites
(b) Establishing a human settlement on Mars
(c) Revolutionizing space travel with a fully reusable rocket
(d) All of the above

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. The mission was completed by onboard computers about eight minutes after lift-off for reasons that are still unclear.
2. SpaceX recently cancelled its second test flight of its new rocket, Starship, reaching lower altitudes than before.
3. Despite the setback, the flight lasting as long as it did is considered a significant step forward for SpaceX.
4. The test flight aimed to complete a near-complete revolution around the Earth before splashing down near Hawaii.
5. The flight was extended due to technical issues, but previous problems had not been resolved.
6. Engineers will investigate the cause of the booster tearing apart shortly after stage separation and the loss of the Ship.
7. NASA criticized SpaceX on its efforts and expressed no interest in using a version of Starship to land humans on the Moon.
8. Starship is the most powerful rocket system ever developed, capable of carrying over a hundred tonnes to orbit in a single launch.
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 were the objectives of the recent Starship test flight conducted by SpaceX, and how did the actual outcome compare to these objectives?
2. Can you identify the technical issues that led to the premature termination of the Starship’s test flight, and what was the altitude reached before these issues occurred?
3. How did NASA respond to SpaceX’s progress with the Starship, and what are their plans for its future use?
4. What specific improvements were noted in the latest Starship test flight compared to the previous one in April?
5. What is the significance of Starship’s 33 engines and the thrust they produce, and how does this relate to Elon Musk’s broader goals in space exploration?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What company is responsible for the development of the new rocket, Starship?
SpaceX is responsible for the development of the new rocket, Starship.

2. Where did the second test flight of Starship take place?
The second test flight of Starship took place in Texas.

3. What specific goal does NASA have for a version of Starship in the future?
NASA desires to use a version of Starship to land humans on the Moon in the future.

4. What was the intended flight path and final destination for the Starship during its test flight?
The intended flight path was a near-complete revolution around the Earth, with the final destination near Hawaii.

5. What issues did the Starship face during the previous test flight in April?
During the previous test flight in April, Starship encountered various issues, including engine failures and failure to separate the Ship at altitude.

6. What significant achievement was noted during the lift-off of the latest test flight?
The successful operation of all 33 engines during lift-off was a significant achievement noted during the latest test flight.

7. How will the data collected from the latest test flight be used by SpaceX?
The data collected from the flight will be instrumental in improving future launches.

8. What are Elon Musk’s long-term plans for Starship in relation to Mars and the Starlink project?
Elon Musk’s long-term plans for Starship include establishing a human settlement on Mars and supporting his Starlink project, which aims to create a global network of broadband internet satellites.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) company
(2) development
(3) flight
(4) short
(5) Hawaii
(6) previous
(7) April
(8) Engineers
(9) height
(10) Experts
(11) latest
(12) producing
(13) activities
(14) vision
(15) establishing
(16) boundaries
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. SpaceX
Answer: (c) The US company founded by Elon Musk

2. rocket
Answer: (f) A vehicle used for space travel

3. flight
Answer: (e) The act of traveling through the air

4. progress
Answer: (a) Advancement or improvement

5. test
Answer: (g) A trial or experiment

6. engine
Answer: (b) A machine that produces power

7. technology
Answer: (h) The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes

8. launch
Answer: (d) The act of sending something into the air or space
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Who is the founder of SpaceX?
Answer: (b) Elon Musk

2. Where did the recent test flight of Starship take place?
Answer: (d) Texas

3. What did the American space agency, NASA, commend SpaceX for?
Answer: (c) Its efforts in developing Starship

4. Why was the recent test flight of Starship terminated?
Answer: (d) Due to technical issues

5. What is considered a significant step forward for SpaceX?
Answer: (a) The fact that the flight lasted as long as it did

6. What is the most powerful rocket system ever developed?
Answer: (c) Starship

7. What is one potential benefit of perfecting the technology of Starship?
Answer: (a) Significantly reducing the cost of space activities

8. What is Elon Musk’s vision for Starship?
Answer: (b) Establishing a human settlement on Mars
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. The mission was completed by onboard computers about eight minutes after lift-off for reasons that are still unclear. (Answer: False)
2. SpaceX recently cancelled its second test flight of its new rocket, Starship, reaching lower altitudes than before. (Answer: False)
3. Despite the setback, the flight lasting as long as it did is considered a significant step forward for SpaceX. (Answer: True)
4. The test flight aimed to complete a near-complete revolution around the Earth before splashing down near Hawaii. (Answer: True)
5. The flight was extended due to technical issues, but previous problems had not been resolved. (Answer: False)
6. Engineers will investigate the cause of the booster tearing apart shortly after stage separation and the loss of the Ship. (Answer: True)
7. NASA criticized SpaceX on its efforts and expressed no interest in using a version of Starship to land humans on the Moon. (Answer: False)
8. Starship is the most powerful rocket system ever developed, capable of carrying over a hundred tonnes to orbit in a single launch. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧