French Astronaut Sophie Adenot Leaves Space Station to Return to Earth
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French astronaut Sophie Adenot has left the International Space Station (ISS) after spending eight months there. The ISS is a large research station that orbits Earth, allowing scientists to study space and conduct experiments in low gravity.
Adenot is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and land on Thursday afternoon. Re-entry is the process of a spacecraft coming back through Earth's air after leaving space, and it can be a difficult and risky part of any space mission.
During her time aboard the ISS, Adenot joined other astronauts from different countries working together on the station. The ISS has hosted international crews for many years, with astronauts usually staying for several months at a time.
Her upcoming return has been described as a significant moment, with French media following her journey closely. The phrase "Objectif Terre" was used to describe her mission's final goal: reaching Earth safely.
Space missions like this one require careful planning for both the launch and the descent back to the planet. Teams on the ground monitor every stage of the journey to ensure the astronaut's safety.
Once she lands, Adenot will complete a mission that lasted eight months in orbit, a common duration for long-term stays aboard the ISS. Her return marks the end of this chapter of her space career.
Vocabulary6 words
- astronaut
- a person trained to travel and work in space
- International Space Station
- a large space laboratory where astronauts live and work
- orbits
- moves in a circle around something, like Earth
- re-enter
- to come back into Earth's atmosphere from space
- Objectif Terre
- a French phrase meaning "Target: Earth"
- descent
- the act of moving downward
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Quiz
Answer key
1. Eight months 2. A large research station orbiting Earth 3. Thursday afternoon
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
French astronaut Sophie Adenot has left the _____ after spending eight months there.
The ISS is a large research station that _____ Earth.
Adenot is expected to _____ Earth's atmosphere and land on Thursday afternoon.
Re-entry is a difficult and _____ part of any space mission.
During her time aboard the ISS, Adenot joined other astronauts from different _____.
The ISS has hosted international crews for many years, with astronauts usually staying for several _____ at a time.
Her upcoming return has been described as a _____ moment.
The phrase "Objectif Terre" was used to describe her mission's final _____.
Space missions like this one require careful _____ for both the launch and the descent.
Her return marks the end of this _____ of her space career.
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