SpaceX Sets New Rocket Reuse Record With Starlink Launch
Listen to the story
SpaceX plans to launch a Starlink mission using a Falcon 9 rocket booster that has flown a record-breaking 37 times. This will be the most flights ever completed by a single SpaceX booster.
The launch is scheduled for early morning on Aug. 25. It will also mark SpaceX's 100th Falcon 9 launch of the year, showing how often the company sends rockets into space.
Falcon 9 is designed to be reusable. After launching its cargo, the booster returns to Earth and can be used again for future missions. This helps SpaceX save money and launch more often.
The mission will carry more Starlink satellites into orbit. Starlink is SpaceX's network of satellites that provides internet access to people around the world, including in remote areas.
Because the launch happens before sunrise, viewers may see a striking visual known as the 'jellyfish effect.' This happens when sunlight, still below the horizon on the ground, hits the rocket's exhaust plume high in the sky, creating a glowing, jellyfish-like shape.
SpaceX plans to broadcast the launch live online so people can watch the event as it happens. The company regularly shares live coverage of its launches for the public.
Vocabulary8 words
- Starlink
- SpaceX's system of satellites for internet
- booster
- the part of a rocket that provides the main power at launch
- reusable
- able to be used again
- orbit
- the path an object takes around Earth
- jellyfish effect
- a glowing shape in the sky caused by sunlight on rocket smoke
- live coverage
- video shown to viewers as an event is happening
- mission
- a planned space flight with a goal
- record-breaking
- better than anything done before
Quiz
Answer key
1. Most flights by one booster 2. Because of sunlight hitting the rocket's exhaust high in the sky 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
SpaceX plans to launch a _____ mission using a Falcon 9 rocket booster that has flown a record-breaking _____ times.
The launch is scheduled for early morning on Aug. 25. It will also mark SpaceX's _____ Falcon 9 launch of the year.
Falcon 9 is designed to be _____. After launching its cargo, the booster returns to Earth and can be used again.
The mission will carry more Starlink satellites into _____.
Because the launch happens before sunrise, viewers may see a striking visual known as the '_____ effect.'
SpaceX plans to broadcast the launch _____ online so people can watch the event as it happens.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think SpaceX focuses on making rockets reusable?
- What are some benefits of satellite internet like Starlink?
- Would you want to watch a rocket launch live? Why or why not?
- How might frequent rocket launches affect the environment?
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