launch: to send out from a specific place rocket: a vehicle sent up into space via fast moving fluid from a rocket engine orbit: the path a celestial body or object follows in space cargo: items that need to be moved from one place to another retire: to no longer use something backed: supported and sometimes promoted by a person or organization
# SpaceX Launches Rocket into Space
The Falcon 9, an rocket, was launched successfully into earth's orbit this June. It took nine minutes to achieve orbit after leaving Florida's Cape Canaveral Station. The rocket was built to deliver cargo, and possibly, to the space station after the space shuttle retires. NASA has already given Space Exploration (SpaceX) over 3.5 billion dollars in contracts. The business of launching vehicles into space is to be very competitive in the near future. SpaceX is backed heavily by the Obama administration. The Falcon 9 will attempt to carry its spacecraft into orbit on its second flight, scheduled later this year.
Comprehension Questions:
What is the Falcon 9?
Why does the report mention Barack Obama?
What will the Falcon 9 attempt to do later this year?
Discussion Question:
Do you agree with NASA's decision to retire the space shuttle program? Why or why not?
SpaceX Launches Rocket into Space The Falcon 9, an 180-foot rocket, was launched successfully into earth's orbit this June. It took nine minutes to achieve orbit after leaving Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket was built to deliver cargo, and possibly humans, to the space station after the space shuttle retires. NASA has already given Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) over 3.5 billion dollars in contracts. The business of launching vehicles into space is expected to be very competitive in the near future. SpaceX is backed heavily by the Obama administration. The Falcon 9 will attempt to carry its spacecraft "Dragon" into orbit on its second flight, scheduled later this year.
Comprehension Answers:
The Falcon 9 is a rocket that will be used to transport cargo once the shuttles retire.
The report mentions Barack Obama because the US President supports SpaceX.
The Falcon 9 will attempt to carry its spacecraft "Dragon" into orbit later this year.
spacex.mp3