Science in Space Reading Answers
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Science in Space Reading Answers topic consists of 14 series of questions with answers. It is an IELTS reading answers topic. This topic has been taken from the book: Cambridge IELTS 10 Student's Book with Answers. The topic: Science in Space Reading Answers is the first part of the reading section. The candidates must study the IELTS reading passage attentively to complete all the questions within 20 minutes. The topic: Science in Space Reading Answers measures the aptitudes of the candidates in reading. The candidates need to practice IELTS Reading practice papers to get acquainted with more similar topics
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Section 1
Read the passage to answer the following questions
Science in Space Reading Answers
A premier, world class laboratory in low Earth orbit. That was how the National Aeronautics and Space Administration agency (NASA) sold the International Space Station (ISS) to the US Congress in 2001.Today no one can doubt the agency’s technological ambition. The most complex engineering project ever attempted has created an enormous set of interlinked modules that orbits the planet at more than 27,000 kilometres per hour. It might be travelling fast but, say critics, as a lab it is going nowhere. So far, it has gone through $150 billion.
So where should its future priorities lie? This question was addressed at the recent 1st annual ISS research and development conference in Colorado. Among the presenters was Satoshi Iwase of Aichi Medical University in Japan who has spent several years developing an experiment that could help solve one of the key problems that humans will face in space: keeping our bodies healthy in weightlessness. One thing that physiologists have learned is that without gravity our bodies begin to lose strength, leaving astronauts with weakened bones, muscles and cardiovascular systems. To counter these effects on a long duration mission to, say, Mars, astronauts will almost certainly need to create their own artificial gravity. This is where Iwase comes in. He leads a team designing a centrifuge for humans. In their preliminary design, an astronaut is strapped into the seat of a machine that resembles an exercise bike. Pedalling provides a workout for the astronaut’s muscles and cardiovascular system, but it also causes the seat to rotate vertically around a central axis so the rider experiences artificial gravity while exercising.
The centrifuge project highlights the station’s potential as a research lab. Similar machines have flown in space aboard NASA’s shuttles, but they couldn’t be tested for long enough to prove whether they were effective. It’s been calculated that to properly assess a centrifuge’s impact on human physiology, astronauts would have to ride it for 30 minutes a day for at least two months. The only way to test this is in weightlessness, and the only time we have to do that is on the space station,’ says Laurence Young, a space medicine expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
There are certainly plenty of ideas for other experiments: but many projects have yet to fly. Even if the centrifuge project gets the green light, it will have to wait another five years before the station’s crew can take a spin. Lengthy delays like this are one of the key challenges for NASA, according to an April 2011 report from the US National Academy of Sciences. Its authors said they were ‘deeply concerned’ about the state of NASA’s science research, and made a number of recommendations. Besides suggesting that the agency reduces the time between approving experiments and sending them into space, it also recommended setting clearer research priorities.
NASA has already begun to take action, hiring management consultants ProOrbis to develop a plan to cut through the bureaucracy. And Congress also directed NASA to hire an independent organisation, the Centre for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), to help manage the station’s US lab facilities. One of CASIS’s roles is to convince public and private investors that science on the station is worth the spend because judged solely by the number of papers published, the ISS certainly seems poor value: research on the station has generated about 3,100 papers since 1998.The Hubble Space Telescope, meanwhile, has produced more than I 1,300 papers in just over 20 years, yet it cost less than one tenth of the price of the space station.
Yet Mark Uhran, assistant associate administrator for the ISS, refutes the criticism that the station hasn’t done any useful research. He points to progress made on a salmonella vaccine, for example. To get the ISS research back on track, CASIS has examined more than 100 previous microgravity experiments to identify promising research themes. From this, it has opted to focus on life science and medical research, and recently called for proposals for experiments on muscle wasting, osteoporosis and the immune system. The organisation also maintains that the ISS should be used to develop products with commercial application and to test those that are either close to or already on the market. Investment from outside organisations is vital, says Uhran, and a balance between academic and commercial research will help attract this.
The station needs to attract cutting edge research, yet many scientists seem to have little idea what goes on aboard it. Jeanne DiFrancesco at ProOrbis conducted more than 200 interviews with people from organisations with potential interests in low gravity studies. Some were aware of the ISS but they didn’t know what’s going on up there, she says. ‘Others know there’s science, but they don’t know what kind.’
According to Alan Stern, planetary scientist, the biggest public relations boost for the ISS may come from the privately funded space flight industry. Companies like SpaceX could help NASA and its partners when it comes to resupplying the ISS, as it suggests it can reduce launch costs by two-thirds. Virgin Atlantic’s Spaceship Two or Zero2lnfinity's high altitude balloon could also boost the space station’s fortunes. They might not come close to the ISS’s orbit, yet Stern believes they will revolutionise the way we, the public, see space. Soon everyone will be dreaming of interplanetary travel again, he predicts. More importantly, scientists are already queuing for seats on these low gravity spaceflight services so they can collect data during a few minutes of weightlessness. This demand for low-cost space flight could eventually lead to a service running on a more frequent basis, giving researchers the chance to test their ideas before submitting a proposal for experiments on the ISS. Getting flight experience should help them win a slot on the station, says Stern.
Section 2
Solution and Explanation
- What does the writer state about the ISS in the first paragraph?
- Its manufacture has remained within the proposed budget.
- It is a great example of technological achievement.
- There are doubts about the speed it has attained.
- NASA should have described its purpose more accurately.
Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: Today no one can doubt the agency’s technological ambition.
Keyword: technological ambition, created an enormous set, interlinked modules.
Keyword Location: 1st paragraph, 1st- 5th sentences.
Explanation: The writer has clearly stated in the first paragraph that the International Space Station (ISS) is the technological ambition of the agency. There is no doubt regarding the belief that ISS is a great technological development. Therefore, the correct answer is B, since it satisfies the content of the passage.
- What are we told about Satoshi Iwase’s experimental machine?
- It is based on conventional exercise equipment.
- It was originally commissioned by NASA.
- It is designed only to work in low-gravity environments.
- It has benefits that Iwase did not anticipate.
Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: He leads a team designing a centrifuge for humans.
Keyword: a team, designing a centrifuge.
Keyword Location: 2nd paragraph, 6th-8th sentence
Explanation: The second paragraph depicts the way Satoshi designed the experimental machine. He instructs a team to design a centrifuge for humans. In this process of designing, Iwase comes in. The design of the machine completely corresponds to an exercise bike. The design mainly depends on conventional exercise equipment. Therefore, A is the correct answer as it satisfies the content of the paragraph.
- The writer refers to the Hubble Space Telescope in order to
- show why investment in space technology has decreased.
- highlight the need to promote the ISS in a positive way.
- explain which kind of projects are more likely to receive funding.
- justify the time required for a space project to produce results.
Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: The Hubble Space Telescope, meanwhile, has produced more than 11,3 00 papers in just over 20 years, yet it cost less than one tenth of the price of the space station.
Keyword: convince public and private investors, is worth the spend, seems poor value, Hubble Space Telescope, has produced more, cost less.
Keyword Location: 5th paragraph, 3rd and 4th sentence.
Explanation: The fifth paragraph clearly states that the ISS seem to have inferior value than what it deserves. The role of CASIS is to convince private and public investors that spending on science is worthwhile. The Hubble Space Telescope is a kind of telescope that made more than 11300 papers in over 20 years. Therefore, it is required to give priority to the ISS since it generates nearly 3100 papers. Hence, B is the correct answer since it satisfies the content of the passage.
- In the sixth paragraph, we are told that CASIS has
- rejected certain applications for experiments on the ISS.
- expressed concern about testing products used for profit.
- questioned the benefits of some of the projects currently on the ISS.
- invited researchers to suggest certain health-based projects.
Answer: D
Supporting Sentence: From this, it has opted to focus on life science and medical research, and recently called for proposals for experiments on muscle wasting, osteoporosis and the immune system.
Keyword: medical research, experiments on muscle wasting, osteoporosis, immune system.
Keyword Location: 6th paragraph, 3rd- 4th sentences.
Explanation: The author in the paragraph states that CASIS analyzed nearly more than 100 earlier microgravity experiments to detect a research theme that is promising. This has led CASIS to concentrate on medical research and life science. This enabled researchers to propose certain projects based on health. Hence, D is the correct answer since it satisfies the content of the passage.
Question 5 - 9:
Look at the following opinions and the list of people below.
Match each opinion with the correct person, A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
List of Findings
- Laurence Young
- Authors of the US National Academy of Sciences report
- Mark Uhran
- Jeanne Di Francesco
- ______The ISS should be available for business-related ventures.
Answer: C
Supporting Sentence: Investment from outside organizations is vital, says Uhran, and a balance between academic and commercial research will help attract this.
Keyword: Investment, vital, academic and commercial research.
Keyword Location: 6th paragraph, last sentence.
Explanation: The paragraph states the views of Mark Uhran that it is vital to make investments from exterior organizations. Therefore, it means that the ISS needs to be motivated to accept the ventures regarding business purposes. Hence, C is the correct answer since it satisfies the content of the passage.
- ______There is general ignorance about what kinds of projects are possible on the ISS.
Answer: D
Supporting Sentence: Some were aware of the ISS but they didn’t know what’s going on up there, she says. ‘Others know there’s science, but they don’t know what kind.
Keyword: they didn’t know, what’s going on, they don’t know what kind.
Keyword Location: 7th paragraph, last sentence
Explanation: The paragraph clearly depicts the views of Jeanne Di Francesco who conducted interviews with people from the organizations regarding the projects in ISS. There are few people who know about the ISS but do not have any idea about how the ISS is operating. Some people know that the ISS is based on science but they were completely unaware of what kind. Therefore, D is the correct answer since it supports the content of the passage.
- _______The process of getting accepted projects onto the ISS should be speeded up.
Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: Lengthy delays like this are one of the key challenges for NASA, according to an April 2011 report from the US National Academy of Sciences.
Keyword: Lengthy delays.
Keyword Location: 4th paragraph, 3rd sentence
Explanation: The author of the US National Academy of Sciences states that NASA is facing challenges regarding the lengthy delays of projects. This lengthy delay in projects indicates that it takes more time to make the acceptance of the project. Therefore, B is the correct answer since it supports the content of the passage.
- _______ Some achievements of the ISS are underrated.
Answer: C
Supporting Sentence: Yet Mark Uhran, assistant associate administrator for the ISS, refutes the criticism that the station hasn’t done any useful research.
Keyword: refutes the criticism, station hasn’t done, useful research
Keyword Location: 6th paragraph, 1st sentence
Explanation: The paragraph states the views of Mark Uhran. He is the assistant associate administrator for ISS who does not believe it better to denounce the ISS. He has a firm belief the ISS is researching in a better way but it does not receive the appreciation it deserves. Therefore, it signifies that the achievements are underrated. Hence, C is the correct answer since it supports the content of the passage.
- ________ To properly assess new space technology, there has to be an absence of gravity.
Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: The only way to test this is in weightlessness, and the only time we have to do that is on the space station,’ says Laurence Young, a space medicine expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Keyword: The only way to test this, weightlessness.
Keyword Location: 3rd paragraph, last sentence
Explanation: The paragraph clearly depicts the opinion of Laurence Young about the problem regarding gravity. Laurence Young has stated to assess the new space technology in a proper way. It has been analyzed that new space technology is weightless. It indicates that there is a lack of gravity. Therefore, A is the correct answer since it supports the content of the passage.
Questions 10 - 13:
Complete the summary using the lists of words, A-H, below.
Write the correct letter, A-H.
According to Alan Stern, private space companies could affect the future of the ISS. He believes they could change its image; firstly because sending food and equipment there would be more 10.______ if a commercial craft were used, and secondly, because commercial flights might make the whole idea of space exploration seem 11_____ to ordinary people. Another point is that as the demand for space flights increases, there is a chance of them becoming more 12_______. And by working on a commercial flight first, scientists would be more 13. ______ if an ISS position came up.
- safe
- competitive
- flexible
- real
- rapid
- regular
- suitable
- economical
Question 10:
Answer: H) economical
Supporting Sentence: Companies like SpaceX could help NASA and its partners when it comes to resupplying the ISS, as it suggests it can reduce launch costs by two-thirds.
Keyword: Alan Stern, planetary scientist, privately funded space flight industry, reduce launch costs.
Keyword Location: 8th paragraph, 1st sentence
Explanation: The paragraph has clearly stated the views of Alan Stern. He is the planetary scientist who promotes the ISS by funding private space flight research. It means he sends equipment and food there. The companies like Space X assist NASA by resupplying the ISS. It helps to diminish the launch costs by two-thirds. Therefore, “economical” is the correct answer that suits well in the blank since it satisfies the content of the passage.
Question 11:
Answer: D) real
Supporting Sentence: Soon everyone will be dreaming of interplanetary travel again, he predicts.
Keyword: the public, everyone, dreaming of interplanetary.
Keyword Location: 8th paragraph, 4th and 5th sentence
Explanation: The paragraph depicts the firm belief of Stern. Commercial flights might not appear near the orbit of the ISS. He further believes that they will revolve in such a way that ordinary people observe the space. The people observe the exploration of space as real. Therefore, “real ” is the correct answer that suits well in the blank since it satisfies the content of the passage.
Question 12:
Answer: F) regular
Supporting Sentence: This demand for low-cost space flight could eventually lead to a service running on a more frequent basis, giving researchers the chance to test their ideas before submitting a proposal for experiments on the ISS.
Keyword: low-cost space flight, eventually lead to a service, more frequent basis.
Keyword Location: 8th paragraph, 6th sentence.
Explanation: The paragraph depicts the requirement of the low-cost space flight leading to a service that is operating on a regular basis. This gives a chance to the researcher to examine their ideas regarding the experiment on ISS. Therefore, “regular ” is the correct answer that suits well in the blank since it satisfies the content of the passage.
Question 13:
Answer: G) suitable
Supporting Sentence: Getting flight experience should help them win a slot on the station, says Stern.
Keyword: Getting flight experience, help them win a slot.
Keyword Location: 8th paragraph, last sentence
Explanation: The paragraph states the needs of the low-cost space flight directing to a service that is operating on a regular basis. This gives a chance to the scientists to examine their ideas regarding the experiment on ISS. The obtaining the experience of flight shoul assist them to witness a suitable situation. Therefore, “suitable” is the correct answer that suits well in the blank since it satisfies the content of the passage.
Question 14:
Choose appropriate options A, B, C or D.
- The writer’s purpose in writing this article is to
- promote the advantages of space flight in general.
- illustrate how the ISS could become more effective.
- criticise the ISS for its narrow-minded attitude.
- contrast useful and worthless space projects.
Answer: B
Explanation: The purpose of the writer in writing this article is to define the ways the ISS could be more useful and effective. The passage discusses the fact about funding money in ISS and states about the projects of the research. The passage also depicts the idea of starting commercial flights. Therefore, B is the correct answer since it satisfies the content of the passage.
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