博客

The International Space Station (ISS), a collaborative orbiting laboratory, recently experienced a concerning incident involving an air leak, prompting its multinational crew to take emergency measures. The event, which unfolded on a Friday afternoon, highlighted the persistent challenges and critical safety protocols inherent in maintaining human presence hundreds of kilometres above Earth.

For over two decades, the ISS has continuously hosted international crews, serving as a unique base for scientific research in microgravity and symbolizing global cooperation in space exploration. Its operational integrity and the safety of its inhabitants are paramount, making any structural challenges a matter of extreme seriousness.

The alert originated from the Russian segment of the station, where an air leak, initially detected earlier in the week, showed a sudden increase. In response, five of the seven crew members, representing various nations, were directed to shelter inside the docked SpaceX Dragon “Freedom” shuttle. This spacecraft is designed to function as both a transport vehicle and a vital lifeboat, offering a crucial contingency plan in case an evacuation became necessary due to the leak escalating to an unmanageable level.

Meanwhile, two Russian cosmonauts remained on the main station. Their courageous mission was to attempt a repair on the affected part of the Russian module. This segment is essential for the station’s overall functionality and structural integrity, and their efforts were focused on mitigating the immediate threat.

However, the repair attempts were temporarily suspended. Later that same Friday, NASA instructed all crew members to return from the Dragon shuttle to the main International Space Station. This directive suggested that the immediate danger had likely subsided, or that a new assessment had indicated a safer operational environment, possibly due to a stabilisation of the leak or the implementation of an alternative repair strategy.

Such incidents serve as a powerful reminder of the inherent risks and profound complexities of living and working in space. They underscore the constant vigilance, advanced engineering, and robust safety systems required to sustain human life in the challenging vacuum beyond our planet.

1. What is the main topic of the article?

• A.The history and future of the International Space Station.
• B.A recent air leak emergency on the ISS and the crew’s response.
• C.The scientific experiments conducted in microgravity on the ISS.
• D.The design and capabilities of the SpaceX Dragon “Freedom” shuttle.

2. According to the article, why did the two Russian cosmonauts remain on the main station?

• A.They were awaiting a different transport vehicle.
• B.They were unable to fit into the SpaceX Dragon shuttle.
• C.They aimed to repair the affected part of the Russian segment.
• D.They were responsible for supervising the other crew members.

3. What can be inferred about the situation after NASA instructed the crew to return to the ISS?

• A.The air leak had worsened, requiring all crew to assist with repairs.
• B.The immediate danger to the crew’s safety had likely decreased.
• C.A complete and permanent repair had already been successfully completed.
• D.Another, more serious emergency had occurred on a different module.

4. What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this article?

• A.To highlight the importance of international collaboration in space.
• B.To discuss the technical challenges of space station construction.
• C.To describe a specific incident and its implications for space safety.
• D.To advocate for greater investment in space exploration technology.

5. In paragraph 3, the phrase “crucial contingency plan” most closely means:

• A.A detailed schedule for routine daily operations.
• B.An essential backup strategy for an unexpected emergency.
• C.A complex blueprint for a new spacecraft module.
• D.A temporary solution to a minor operational inconvenience.