On June 5, American astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched on a test mission to the International Space Station (ISS), expecting to return home soon after. However, things didn’t go as planned, and they have now been in space for almost two months. They might miss the summer and could even spend Christmas and New Year up there. They flew on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was its first crewed flight, meant to test how well it works before regular missions start.

Unfortunately, the Starliner had some problems while getting close to the ISS, like leaks in its propulsion system and some thrusters not working properly. Although the astronauts made it to the space station safely, it’s still unclear if the Starliner is safe for their return trip. NASA officials have said that they haven’t made any final plans for when they will come back. Steve Stich, who manages NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, mentioned that while they hope to use the Starliner for their return, they are looking at other options too.

One of the other options is for Wilmore and Williams to come back to Earth on a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission that is scheduled for September. If this happens, they could stay on the ISS for over eight months instead of the eight days they originally planned. If this plan goes through, the Crew Dragon would bring them back in February 2025, while the Starliner would return to Earth without a crew, controlled by a computer. NASA officials say they might take a week or more to make a final decision about their return.

Even though the astronauts are facing a longer stay in space, they are staying positive and busy with their work on the ISS. Williams, who has been in space before, said it feels familiar and comfortable to be back. While their extended mission is unusual, it’s not the first time this has happened; other astronauts have spent much longer in space. For example, Russian astronaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, which lasted 437 days. Despite the challenges, both Wilmore and Williams are keeping a good attitude about their time 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 takes turns acting out key terms or phrases related to the article (e.g., “International Space Station,” “SpaceX Crew Dragon,” “astronaut”). The other groups must guess what is being acted out within a time limit. This helps reinforce vocabulary in a fun and active way.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a list of questions based on the article, such as “Do you think astronauts should spend more time in space?” or “Would you like to go to space?” Have students circulate to ask their classmates these questions and tally the responses. Afterward, discuss the results as a class, encouraging students to express their opinions.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: On a whiteboard or large paper, write “Space Mission” in the center. Have students brainstorm and add related concepts from the article, such as “NASA,” “Starliner,” “astronauts,” and “ISS.” This visual activity helps students connect ideas and vocabulary from the reading.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Ask students to create an engaging headline for the article. They should focus on capturing the main idea in a catchy way. After they have written their headlines, students can share them with the class, discussing the different approaches and language used in their titles.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Have students discuss in pairs what they think will happen next regarding the astronauts’ return to Earth. They can consider factors such as the potential use of the Crew Dragon, future missions, or advancements in space travel. After a few minutes, invite pairs to share their predictions with the class, promoting discussion and critical thinking.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What was the original plan for Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams regarding their mission to the International Space Station?

2. What problems did the Boeing Starliner encounter while approaching the ISS?

3. How long have Wilmore and Williams been in space as of the article’s publication?

4. What alternative option is NASA considering for the astronauts’ return to Earth?

5. How could the astronauts’ stay on the ISS change if they return on the SpaceX Crew Dragon mission?

6. What does Steve Stich manage, and what did he say about the return plans for the astronauts?

7. How does Sunita Williams feel about being back in space, according to the article?

8. What record does Russian astronaut Valeri Polyakov hold, and how does it relate to Wilmore and Williams’ situation?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

On June 5, American astronauts (1)______ “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched on a test mission to the International Space Station (ISS), expecting to return home soon after. However, things didn’t go as planned, and they have now been in space for almost two (2)______. They might miss the (3)______ and could even spend Christmas and New Year up there. They flew on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was its first crewed flight, meant to test how well it works before regular (4)______ start.

Unfortunately, the Starliner had some problems while getting close to the ISS, like leaks in its propulsion (5)______ and some thrusters not working properly. Although the (6)______ made it to the space station safely, it’s still unclear if the Starliner is safe for their return trip. NASA officials have said that they haven’t made any final plans for when they will come back. (7)______ Stich, who (8)______ NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, mentioned that while they hope to use the Starliner for their return, they are looking at other options too.

One of the other options is for (9)______ and (10)______ to come back to Earth on a (11)______ Crew Dragon mission that is scheduled for September. If this happens, they could stay on the ISS for over eight months instead of the eight days they originally planned. If this plan goes through, the Crew Dragon would bring them back in February 2025, while the Starliner would return to Earth without a crew, controlled by a computer. NASA officials say they might take a week or more to make a final (12)______ about their return.

Even though the astronauts are facing a longer stay in space, they are staying (13)______ and busy with their work on the ISS. Williams, who has been in space before, said it feels familiar and comfortable to be back. While their extended mission is unusual, it’s not the first time this has happened; other astronauts have spent much longer in space. For (14)______, (15)______ astronaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, which lasted 437 days. Despite the challenges, both Wilmore and Williams are keeping a good (16)______ about their time 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 space travel? Do you think it’s exciting or risky? Why?
2. How would you feel if you had to spend Christmas in space?
3. Do you think astronauts should stay in space for a long time? Why or why not?
4. What is a dream job you would like to have? Would it be working in space?
5. How do you think astronauts keep themselves busy during long missions in space?
6. Do you like watching movies or shows about space? Why or why not?
7. What do you think is the biggest challenge astronauts face while living in space?
8. How would you feel if you were one of the astronauts in this mission?
9. Do you think space exploration is important for our future? Why or why not?
10. What is a memorable experience you have had that was unexpected, like the astronauts’ extended mission?
11. How do you think being in space might change a person’s perspective on life on Earth?
12. Do you think it’s better to have a short trip to space or a long one? Why?
13. What would you miss the most if you were in space for a long time?
14. How do you think families of astronauts feel when their loved ones are away for so long?
15. Do you believe that space missions like this one help us learn more about our universe? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. astronauts
2. propulsion
3. thrusters
4. spacecraft
5. mission
6. crewed
7. propulsion
8. officials
9. scheduled
10. decision
11. extended
12. familiar
13. unusual
14. challenges
15. attitude

Meanings:
(A) People in authority or with important roles in an organization
(B) A specific task or job that is assigned or undertaken
(C) Planned to happen at a particular time
(D) A way of thinking or feeling about something
(E) The action of driving or pushing something forward
(F) Difficulties or problems that need to be dealt with
(G) Small engines used to control the movement of a spacecraft
(H) The action of driving or pushing something forward
(I) A vehicle designed for travel or operation in outer space
(J) Made longer or lasting for more time than usual
(K) A choice or judgment made after considering options
(L) Well-known or easily recognized
(M) Having people on board, as opposed to being unmanned
(N) Not common or rare
(O) People who travel and work in space
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Who are the 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 Wilmore and Williams fly on?
(a) SpaceX Crew Dragon
(b) Boeing Starliner
(c) Apollo 11
(d) Orion

3. What issues did the Starliner face while approaching the ISS?
(a) Weight issues and fuel shortages
(b) Navigation problems and communication failures
(c) Leaks in its propulsion system and malfunctioning thrusters
(d) Overheating and power outages

4. What is one of the options for the astronauts’ return to Earth?
(a) Boeing Dreamliner
(b) Russian Soyuz spacecraft
(c) NASA Shuttle
(d) SpaceX Crew Dragon mission

5. How long could Wilmore and Williams potentially stay on the ISS if they return on the Crew Dragon?
(a) Over eight months
(b) Two weeks
(c) A year
(d) Three months

6. Who manages NASA’s Commercial Crew Program?
(a) Steve Stich
(b) Elon Musk
(c) Jim Bridenstine
(d) Charles Bolden

7. What record does Russian astronaut Valeri Polyakov hold?
(a) The first person to walk on the moon
(b) The longest single spaceflight
(c) The most space missions
(d) The longest time spent on the ISS

8. How are Wilmore and Williams coping with their extended time in space?
(a) They are feeling anxious and worried
(b) They are bored and want to go home
(c) They are unhappy with the situation
(d) They are staying positive and busy with their work

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. One option for their return is a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission scheduled for October, which could extend their stay on the ISS to over seven months.
2. Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5.
3. The Starliner encountered problems, including leaks in its propulsion system and malfunctioning thrusters, while approaching the ISS.
4. The astronauts flew on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was its first crewed flight.
5. Sunita Williams, who has been in space before, mentioned that it feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable for her to be back on the ISS.
6. Despite the challenges of their extended mission, both astronauts are maintaining a positive attitude and staying busy with their work.
7. They were originally expected to return home shortly after their launch, but have now been in space for almost one month.
8. NASA has finalized plans for the astronauts’ return, and they are only considering one option.
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 problems did the Boeing Starliner encounter while approaching the International Space Station?
2. How long did the astronauts originally plan to stay in space, and how might that change?
3. What alternative plan does NASA have for the astronauts’ return to Earth?
4. How are the astronauts, Wilmore and Williams, coping with their extended time in space?
5. Who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, and how long did it last?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What was the original plan for Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams regarding their mission to the International Space Station?
They originally planned to stay on the ISS for eight days before returning home.

2. What problems did the Boeing Starliner encounter while approaching the ISS?
The Starliner had leaks in its propulsion system and some thrusters were not working properly.

3. How long have Wilmore and Williams been in space as of the article’s publication?
They have been in space for almost two months.

4. What alternative option is NASA considering for the astronauts’ return to Earth?
NASA is considering having Wilmore and Williams return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission scheduled for September.

5. How could the astronauts’ stay on the ISS change if they return on the SpaceX Crew Dragon mission?
If they return on the Crew Dragon, they could stay on the ISS for over eight months instead of the originally planned eight days.

6. What does Steve Stich manage, and what did he say about the return plans for the astronauts?
Steve Stich manages NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, and he mentioned that they hope to use the Starliner for their return but are also looking at other options.

7. How does Sunita Williams feel about being back in space, according to the article?
Sunita Williams feels familiar and comfortable being back in space.

8. What record does Russian astronaut Valeri Polyakov hold, and how does it relate to Wilmore and Williams’ situation?
Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest single spaceflight, which lasted 437 days. This relates to Wilmore and Williams’ situation as they are facing an unexpectedly long stay in space.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Barry
(2) months
(3) summer
(4) missions
(5) system
(6) astronauts
(7) Steve
(8) manages
(9) Wilmore
(10) Williams
(11) SpaceX
(12) decision
(13) positive
(14) example
(15) Russian
(16) attitude
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. astronauts
Answer: (O) People who travel and work in space

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

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

4. spacecraft
Answer: (I) A vehicle designed for travel or operation in outer space

5. mission
Answer: (B) A specific task or job that is assigned or undertaken

6. crewed
Answer: (M) Having people on board, as opposed to being unmanned

7. propulsion
Answer: (E) The action of driving or pushing something forward

8. officials
Answer: (A) People in authority or with important roles in an organization

9. scheduled
Answer: (C) Planned to happen at a particular time

10. decision
Answer: (K) A choice or judgment made after considering options

11. extended
Answer: (J) Made longer or lasting for more time than usual

12. familiar
Answer: (L) Well-known or easily recognized

13. unusual
Answer: (N) Not common or rare

14. challenges
Answer: (F) Difficulties or problems that need to be dealt with

15. attitude
Answer: (D) A way of thinking or feeling about something
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

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

2. What spacecraft did Wilmore and Williams fly on?
Answer: (b) Boeing Starliner

3. What issues did the Starliner face while approaching the ISS?
Answer: (c) Leaks in its propulsion system and malfunctioning thrusters

4. What is one of the options for the astronauts’ return to Earth?
Answer: (d) SpaceX Crew Dragon mission

5. How long could Wilmore and Williams potentially stay on the ISS if they return on the Crew Dragon?
Answer: (a) Over eight months

6. Who manages NASA’s Commercial Crew Program?
Answer: (a) Steve Stich

7. What record does Russian astronaut Valeri Polyakov hold?
Answer: (b) The longest single spaceflight

8. How are Wilmore and Williams coping with their extended time in space?
Answer: (d) They are staying positive and busy with their work
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. One option for their return is a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission scheduled for October, which could extend their stay on the ISS to over seven months. (Answer: False)
2. Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5. (Answer: True)
3. The Starliner encountered problems, including leaks in its propulsion system and malfunctioning thrusters, while approaching the ISS. (Answer: True)
4. The astronauts flew on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was its first crewed flight. (Answer: True)
5. Sunita Williams, who has been in space before, mentioned that it feels unfamiliar and uncomfortable for her to be back on the ISS. (Answer: False)
6. Despite the challenges of their extended mission, both astronauts are maintaining a positive attitude and staying busy with their work. (Answer: True)
7. They were originally expected to return home shortly after their launch, but have now been in space for almost one month. (Answer: False)
8. NASA has finalized plans for the astronauts’ return, and they are only considering one option. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧