The plan to bring an asteroid to Earth
Read The plan to bring an asteroid to Earth and check the IELTS Reading answers. Send a robot into space, catch an asteroid and bring it back to Earth’s orbit. This may sound a ridiculous plan, but it was discussed quite seriously recently by a group of scientists and engineers at the California In…
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Send a robot into space, catch an asteroid and bring it back to Earth’s orbit. This may sound a ridiculous plan, but it was discussed quite seriously recently by a group of scientists and engineers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). A four-day workshop was dedicated to investigating the feasibility of capturing a near-Earth asteroid, bringing it closer to our planet and using it as a base for future manned spaceflight missions.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- conceivably adverb
Under circumstances that can be reasonably imagined, rationally understood, or logically believed to be possible.
With continuous advancements in biotechnology, humans could conceivably eradicate several genetic diseases within this century.
- confine verb
To keep or restrict someone or something within certain spatial limitations, boundaries, or scope.
During the deep-space simulation, the crew members were forced to confine themselves to a remarkably small module.
- daunting adjective
Seeming highly difficult to deal with in prospect; intimidating or tending to overwhelm one's confidence.
The prospect of reversing centuries of environmental degradation presents a truly daunting challenge for modern scientists.
- excessive undertaking noun
A task, project, or enterprise that requires an unreasonable or disproportionately large amount of effort, risk, or resources.
Relocating the entire manufacturing facility proved to be an excessive undertaking for the struggling startup.
- execute verb
To successfully carry out, put into effect, or perform a complex plan, order, or technical maneuver.
The engineering team must flawlessly execute the complex landing sequence to ensure the Mars rover's survival.
- feasibility noun
The state or degree of being easily, conveniently, or practically done or successfully achieved.
The scientific committee commissioned a comprehensive study to determine the economic feasibility of the proposed space mission.
- gravitational field noun
The region of space surrounding a massive body in which another body experiences a force of attraction.
The satellite must maintain a specific velocity to avoid being pulled into the planet's powerful gravitational field.
- hefty adjective
Exceptionally large, heavy, or substantial; frequently used to describe significant financial costs or physical weight.
Transitioning to renewable energy infrastructure will initially require a hefty investment from national governments.
- relic noun
An object surviving from an earlier era, especially one of historical, scientific, or profound cultural interest.
The ancient meteorological instrument is considered a priceless relic of early scientific exploration and methodology.
- robotic probe noun
An unmanned exploratory spacecraft designed to transmit scientific information about its environment back to Earth.
NASA launched a sophisticated robotic probe to analyze the chemical composition of the distant comet's surface.
Answers with explanations
- 14. v
Section A emphasizes that capturing an asteroid is **possible with the technology we have today** and is not a distant, imagined future. This perfectly matches the heading about an **achievable goal, not an impossible dream**.
- 15. viii
Section B outlines various benefits of the mission: a **stationary base** (practical), lower cost of launching materials (economic), and generating **important scientific data** (research). This aligns with the heading on **practical, economic and research justifications**.
- 16. i
Section C discusses the necessity of being **absolutely certain** they can **control** the object to avoid disastrous consequences. This strongly emphasizes the **need for skill and care**.
- 17. vii
Section D suggests that if large asteroids are too difficult, engineers could **start with a smaller asteroid**. This directly matches the heading about **beginning with a less challenging task**.
- 18. iv
Section E discusses the financial challenge of the mission and mentions ways to fund it, such as **convincing taxpayers** or inviting **private industry**. This reflects the heading **Obtaining support for the project**.
- 19. E
**Louis Friedman** argues that the mission would offer **useful practice** for **planetary defense**, meaning the **skill gained could save Earth from future danger** (Statement E).
- 20. D
**Rusty Schweickart** highlights the difficulty of moving such a **hefty and substantial target** (meaning its **weight**), indicating that the project is **extremely challenging** (Statement D).
- 21. B
**Dan Mazanek** states that a small object lacks **emotional impact** and NASA would not be interested. This matches Statement B: **It might be difficult to arouse interest in an asteroid of limited size**.
- 22. G
**Joseph A Nuth** believes that studying asteroids can be done **more cheaply** using **unmanned spacecraft**, which implies that actually **capturing an asteroid would not be an efficient method of research** (Statement G).
- 23. base
The summary states an asteroid could act as a space for further travel. The text directly refers to it as a **stationary base** to **launch missions further into space**.
- 24. gravity
The summary mentions an asteroid would have **weaker** something, allowing easier movement. The passage explains that the **force of gravity** would be **far weaker on an asteroid**, facilitating the transport of materials.
- 25. metals
The summary lists resources that could be used in space or on Earth. The passage explicitly names **metals** as being able to be used to **build space-based habitats** or be **brought back to Earth**.
- 26. water
The summary needs a resource that could be consumed (life-support) or used for power (fuel). The passage states asteroids contain **water** that fits these exact uses.