TEST 30
Questions 1-7.
Note: There is one extra heading which you do not need to use.
HEADINGS:
A) Projects for the near future
B) How the space station is arranged
C) The example of global cooperation
D) They cannot have it in orbit
E) How it started
F) Space research to improve our life
G) Training astronauts
H) Visiting space for pleasure
Q1.
The international space station has been in orbit for more than fifteen years. The
idea was first introduced
in the agreement on space exploration signed by Russia and the USA. Since then scientists and engineers
from sixteen countries have contributed to the project. Thus, the station can be called the result of
technology from all over the world.
Q2.
Like Rome, the international space station was not built in a day. The space exploration project
began with
small manned orbital stations designed by Russian engineers in the 1960s. Later, the bigger modules
Salyut
and
Mir appeared. They successfully worked in orbit from the 1970s till the 2000s. The space station,
which
is currently in orbit, was formed from
Zaria and
Unity, autonomous space modules, in 1998. It is
regularly used for international space missions.
Q3.
Inside the two modules there is equipment that provides
astronauts with atmosphere, energy, and
communications. Also, some radiators, fuel tanks and solar batteries are outside. Special screens protect all
the elements of the station from meteors. The main control area
is concentrated in the third, modernized
module. Astronauts and all necessary goods reach the station in space ships.
Q4.
Crews of astronauts carry out different studies and experiments in orbit. They monitor numerous space
objects as well as the atmosphere, volcanoes and water resources of our planet.
The results are recorded in
reports that astronauts send to the Earth regularly. Science experiments are done in biology, medicine and
physics. Thanks to space discoveries, scientists and engineers are
able to invent new materials, medicines
and technologies for people.
