Read the text and answer the questions below.
Space Innovation: The Race to Redefine the Final Frontier
In the last decade, innovation in space technology has accelerated at a pace once thought impossible. Reusable rockets, miniature satellites, and international collaborations are reshaping what humanity can achieve beyond Earth. Unlike the early space race, which was dominated by two superpowers, today’s efforts involve a diverse mix of nations, private companies, and research institutions.
One striking trend is the miniaturization of technology. CubeSats, often no larger than a shoebox, now carry out missions once reserved for billion-dollar satellites. These small devices are cheaper, faster to build, and open doors for universities and developing countries to participate in space research. While some dismiss them as too limited, others argue that their sheer numbers create unprecedented opportunities.
Another key development is the push for lunar infrastructure. Governments and companies alike see the Moon as a testing ground for sustainable living beyond Earth. From extracting water ice to building habitats, lunar innovation is both practical and symbolic: it may serve as a stepping stone to Mars. Yet critics caution that rushing into lunar projects risks repeating mistakes of overpromising and underdelivering.
Space innovation also fuels debates about responsibility. The growth of mega-constellations of satellites raises concerns about orbital debris, light pollution, and unequal access. Supporters argue they bring global internet coverage and economic growth, while skeptics warn of creating a crowded, hazardous sky.
Last but not least, space innovation is less about conquering the unknown than about reimagining possibilities. It reflects not only engineering breakthroughs but also global priorities, cooperation, and ethical choices.
In the last decade, innovation in space technology has accelerated at a pace once thought impossible. Reusable rockets, miniature satellites, and international collaborations are reshaping what humanity can achieve beyond Earth. Unlike the early space race, which was dominated by two superpowers, today’s efforts involve a diverse mix of nations, private companies, and research institutions.
One striking trend is the miniaturization of technology. CubeSats, often no larger than a shoebox, now carry out missions once reserved for billion-dollar satellites. These small devices are cheaper, faster to build, and open doors for universities and developing countries to participate in space research. While some dismiss them as too limited, others argue that their sheer numbers create unprecedented opportunities.
Another key development is the push for lunar infrastructure. Governments and companies alike see the Moon as a testing ground for sustainable living beyond Earth. From extracting water ice to building habitats, lunar innovation is both practical and symbolic: it may serve as a stepping stone to Mars. Yet critics caution that rushing into lunar projects risks repeating mistakes of overpromising and underdelivering.
Space innovation also fuels debates about responsibility. The growth of mega-constellations of satellites raises concerns about orbital debris, light pollution, and unequal access. Supporters argue they bring global internet coverage and economic growth, while skeptics warn of creating a crowded, hazardous sky.
Last but not least, space innovation is less about conquering the unknown than about reimagining possibilities. It reflects not only engineering breakthroughs but also global priorities, cooperation, and ethical choices.
1. The phrase stepping stone (paragraph 3) suggests …
2. The word overpromising (paragraph 3) indicates …
3. In paragraph 4, the term mega-constellations refers to …
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