B2 – Upper Intermediate
The SpaceX booster landing represents a significant advancement in aerospace engineering and space travel efficiency. On October 14, 2024, SpaceX successfully executed the unprecedented capture of its Super Heavy-Starship rocket’s first stage using mechanical arms, known as “mechazilla”.
This innovative approach not only demonstrates the potential for fully reusable rockets but also aligns with Elon Musk’s vision of making life multiplanetary. The successful landing and capture mark a pivotal moment in reducing costs associated with space exploration and increasing launch frequency.
Watch the video and get a glimpse of the advancement of space traveling.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is the “all eyes on someone/something”? “All eyes were on Boca Chica Texas as the Starship rocket blasted off at sunrise.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘all eyes on sb/sth’ in your own sentence.
- What does the noun “booster” mean here, “Getting its booster to land not in the ocean but instead guiding it back to the same Launchpad into a pair of giant mechanical arms.”? Use this term in a sentence.
- What does the phrasal verb “blow someone away” mean? “I mean, to see this even live was… It blew me away to watch it.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘blow someone away’ in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- In your own words, explain the “chopsticks maneuver”. What can you say about this space launch technology?
- Share your insights about this, “SpaceX has grown to dominate the space launch business. But for some, that dominance poses another risk — the politicization of space exploration.”
- Share your opinion on this, “Elon Musk routinely promotes his far-right views on his social media platform and financially-backs Trump.“
- How important is space exploration?
- What do you think would be the highlights of space travel in the future?