[IE Reading] Space Tourism

What is one reason space exploration is considered important?

• A. It allows everyone to travel into space.

• B. It provides a new perspective on the Earth.

• C. It has always been focused on tourism.

• D. It reduces the cost of scientific research.

Answer explanation

The text says space exploration "has given us a perspective on the world in which we live."

What makes suborbital flights different from Dennis Tito’s trip?

• A. They take tourists away from Earth’s atmosphere.

• A. They take tourists away from Earth’s atmosphere.

• C. They cost much more than $20 million.

• D. They do not allow tourists to see Earth.

Answer explanation

Suborbital flights offer "only a few minutes of weightlessness" compared to Dennis Tito's seven days in space.

What made it possible for early space tourists to travel into space?

• A. NASA supported their trips financially.

• B. They were part of military space missions.

• C. They paid very large sums of money.

• D. Space tourism was affordable for most people.

Answer explanation

The text states, "they paid enormous sums of money."

Why could space tourism negatively affect the environment?

• A. It would increase carbon dioxide in the lower atmosphere.

• B. It could cause widespread climate changes globally.

• C. It would create space debris in orbit.

• D. It might destroy the stars in the night sky.

Answer explanation

The text mentions carbon dioxide released into the higher atmosphere causing "large-scale disruption to the planet’s climate."

What is the cost for a suborbital space flight ticket?

• A. $20 million

• B. $2,000

• C. $200,000

• D. $2 million

Answer explanation

The text states, "Tickets would cost in the region of $200,000 per trip."

Space exploration has a significant impact. Not only does it inspire young (a)   , but it also helps people understand the Earth and provides a new perspective.

While space travel was once limited to military and scientific purposes, a growing space tourism industry now allows individuals to (a)   money to visit space.

Despite some commercial flights already taking tourists, the cost is still (a)   , making it unrealistic for most people.

Future flights will offer short trips to the edge of space, giving tourists a brief experience of weightlessness and a view of (a)   , though at a much lower cost.

However, widespread space tourism could have environmental consequences, with increased suborbital launches potentially releasing (a)   dioxide that may harm the climate and ozone layer.