Unlock 2 – Unit 8 – Listening 2 – The Future of Space Exploration – Quiz
Embark on an interstellar journey with our captivating quiz as we delve into the future of space exploration with NASA’s adventurous plans. Discover the audacious mission to send humans to an asteroid, the dazzling secrets of ‘Lucy’—a diamond star beyond imagination—and the financial and scientific challenges ahead. Join experts Dorota Loy, Raj Padow, and Dr. Jun Wu in unraveling the costs, benefits, and limitless possibilities of venturing beyond our blue planet. Is the cosmic pursuit worth the price? Explore the answers with us!
About This Listening: The Future of Space Exploration
This listening exercise is based on Unlock 2, Unit 8, Listening 2. You’ll hear a conversation about NASA’s plans for exploring asteroids, the scientific value of missions like Lucy, and the ongoing debate about whether the cost of space exploration is worth its benefits. Listen carefully for facts, figures, and opinions, then answer the comprehension questions below.
Key Vocabulary
- Asteroid – a small rocky body orbiting the sun, sometimes visited by spacecraft for research.
- Mission – an important space exploration project with a specific scientific goal.
- Funding – the money provided to support a scientific project like a space mission.
- Breakthrough – an important discovery or development that changes what is known.
- Exploration – the act of traveling through and studying an unfamiliar place, such as outer space.
To learn more about real asteroid missions, see NASA’s overview of the Psyche mission to explore a metal-rich asteroid.
Continuing from the previous lesson? Review Unlock 2 – Unit 8 – Listening 1 – Path to the Red Planet first.
FAQ
Why is the future of space exploration considered expensive?
Space missions require years of research, specialized equipment, and highly trained scientists, which makes funding a major topic of debate among policymakers and the public.
What is the Lucy mission?
Lucy is a NASA mission studying the Trojan asteroids near Jupiter, helping scientists learn more about the early history of our solar system.
