Complete the text with a word from the box: junk – kill – reentry – launched – worries – congested – exporting – broken – rocket – responsible – however – likelihood – circle. Then answer: 1) How concerned are you? Do you think that a piece from space might hit you? Why? Why not? 2) Do you think that launching rockets is important? Why? Why not? 3) Do you think that different countries should spend so much on space research? Why? Why not?

Have you ever worried about debris from a falling rocket hitting you on the head? That scenario has never been high on the list of life's worries. The chances of a piece of space junk hitting us were almost zero. However, that is changing. Scientists say there is a growing likelihood that rocket parts falling back to Earth could hit and kill someone in the next ten years. This is because more countries are sending more rockets into space. Scientists say space is becoming congested. They are calling on nations and companies that send rockets into space to be more responsible. They want them to control the reentry of any rocket parts floating in the lower atmosphere. Scientists in Canada did research on the number of rockets launched into space, and the risk of people being hit by falling debris. There were 133 rocket launches in 2021. That was a record. It looks like that record will likely be in the coming years. The scientists said more than 60 per cent of rockets are abandoned in space after they release their satellites. The abandoned spacecraft can circle the earth for years before they fall back down. A key finding of the research is that rocket parts are more likely to hit somewhere (or someone) in the Global South. However, most rockets are launched from the Global North. The scientists say countries and companies are responsible to the rest of the world.

1) I am not very concerned because the likelihood of being hit by space debris is still extremely low. However, countries should continue to monitor and control it.

2) Yes, launching rockets is important because space research improves communication, weather forecasting, navigation and our understanding of the universe. It should be done safely and responsibly.

3) Yes, countries should spend money on space research, but they should also invest enough in urgent problems on Earth, such as poverty, healthcare and climate change.

Перевод: Я не очень обеспокоен(а), потому что вероятность быть поражённым космическим мусором всё ещё чрезвычайно мала. Однако страны должны продолжать контролировать эту проблему. Запуск ракет важен, поскольку космические исследования улучшают связь, прогнозирование погоды, навигацию и наше понимание Вселенной. Страны могут тратить деньги на космические исследования, но им также следует инвестировать в насущные проблемы Земли.