6.11C: Space Exploration
Earth and Space
Exploring Space
(Lexile 1190L)
1 Exploring space has been a fascination that has held the attention
of both adults and children alike. The idea of what is out there in
the great unknown has teased the imaginations of those who are
intrigued by the mysteries of the universe. From shooting stars to
the rings around Saturn, space exploration has provided some of the
answers to the many mysteries surrounding the universe. Choosing
to have a career in space exploration is exciting, adventurous, and
rewarding. The career of being an astronaut may be the first career
that pops into your mind when thinking of space exploration, but
space exploration involves a team of people, such as engineers,
space scientists, and technologists.
2 Becoming an astronaut sounds like the most interesting job in the world, but it is also one of the
toughest jobs for which to be chosen. To have the title of astronaut, you must first have a
college degree, either a master’s or doctorate, in science or math. In addition to a college
degree, astronauts must also be experienced pilots with near perfect vision and meet specific
height and weight requirements. Astronauts are required to be in excellent physical condition in
order to undergo extensive training that prepares them for the conditions of space and the
missions they will complete.
3 An astronaut may train for two years to become fully prepared to travel to space. In this time,
he or she will become familiar with the space shuttle and the International Space Station. With
almost weightless conditions in space, astronauts must become comfortable moving around
and performing duties. One way to accomplish this task is by taking flights on a plane called
the KC-135. This plane allows the astronauts about 20 seconds of weightlessness per zerogravity dive. Astronauts also practice performing space walks and working on equipment while
underwater at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). Measuring 101 feet wide, 202 feet long,
and 40 feet deep, the NBL holds 6.2 million gallons of water. Wow! That is one giant swimming
pool. Along with all of this training, astronauts also take public speaking classes and learn
different languages with which to communicate while on the International Space Station. In
case of emergencies, survival and first aid training is also beneficial for the astronauts.
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6.11C: Space Exploration
Earth and Space
4 Few people who have a career in space exploration actually become astronauts and get to
travel to space, though. Engineers make space travel possible. Without them, astronauts
would not even make it to space. Not only do engineers design spacecraft, space vehicles, and
space stations, they also build satellites. Along with engineers, space scientists also help with
space exploration. Space scientists are scientists who use the information gathered on space
missions to make advancements in scientific fields including medicine, geology, biology, and
physics. Also on the space exploration team are technologists. Technologists are needed to
make sure the astronauts and engineers have the most advanced state-of-the-art technology
and equipment.
5 From building and designing the spacecraft to studying the information from astronauts, there
are many jobs and careers in space exploration. A career in space exploration involves stateof-the-art technology, knowledge of science, and exciting adventures.
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6.11C: Space Exploration
Earth and Space
Support
mission
1
Design
mission
1
Receive
data
Goes into
space
1
2
2
3
4
Maintains
advanced
equipment
Designs
spacecraft
Analyzes
data
Which career belongs in box 2 of the graphic shown?
A
Astronaut
B
Engineer
C
Space scientist
D
Technologist
How do astronauts prepare for space travel?
A
By taking public speaking classes
B
By taking flights on the KC-135 and by using the Neutral Buoyancy
Laboratory
C
By learning different languages to help with communication
D
Astronauts prepare with all of the above.
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6.11C: Space Exploration
Earth and Space
3
4
5
Why are engineers an important part of the space exploration team?
A
They use state-of-the-art technology.
B
They use the information that astronauts gather to make
advancements in other fields of science.
C
They design and build spacecraft, space vehicles, and satellites.
D
They help astronauts train for weightlessness and spacewalks.
Why do you think that becoming an astronaut is difficult?
A
Because of all the specific requirements there are for astronauts
B
Because some people are afraid of going to space
C
Because too many people want to become an astronaut
D
Because space travel is not that important
Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
A
A career in space exploration is always exciting and rewarding.
B
Space exploration offers many careers, from building and designing
the spacecraft to studying the information from astronauts.
C
Engineers make space travel possible.
D
It is very difficult to become an astronaut because an advanced
degree is required.
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