What is i-Space?
Reaching for the Stars
Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Name: ________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________
i-Space: Reaching for the Stars
i-Space, also known as Interstellar Glory (Chinese: 星际荣耀; pinyin: xīngjì róngyào), is a private Chinese space technology company founded in October 2016. The Beijing based company is committed to developing technology and providing launch services. The company’s mission is to advance cosmic discovery and make extraplanetary travel more accessible.
The Beginning
Founded in 2016, i-Space quickly made a name for itself in the aerospace industry. This company’s initial focus was on developing two-stage small satellite orbital launchers using solid propellant rocket engines from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CAST).
Milestones
In July 2019, they achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the Hyperbola-1 rocket and reaching low Earth orbit on its maiden flight. This accomplishment made them the first private Chinese company to reach orbit. Despite setbacks with subsequent launches in 2021 and 2022, they made a strong comeback with successful orbital launches in April and December 2023.
Innovation and Technology
i-Space is known for its innovative approach to astronautic technology. The company develops advanced rockets, including the Hyperbola-1 and Hyperbola-2. The Hyperbola-1 is a four-stage rocket using solid fuel, while the Hyperbola-2 is a two-stage, reusable rocket powered by liquid methane and oxygen. They are also working on the Hyperbola-3, a larger, partially reusable rocket designed to carry heavier payloads.
Education and Community
i-Space places great emphasis on education and community engagement. The company runs educational programs, offers internships and scholarships in STEM fields, and hosts events to inspire future generations of space enthusiasts. By fostering a love for space and science, they aim to cultivate the next generation of aerospace leaders. An important part of this immersion experience includes lunchtime chats between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM, where students and professionals can discuss the latest advancements in technology and projects.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, they aim to continue advancements in rocket technology and expand its launch capabilities. The company plans to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars and explore the outer planets and their moons. With a vision of creating a spacefaring civilization, i-Space is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
Questions:
1. When was i-Space founded?
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2. What was the name of their first successful orbital rocket?
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3. What are some of the technologies used by this company?
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4. How does i-Space contribute to education and community?
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5. What future goals do they have?
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Vocabulary:
- Revolutionize – To change something in a major way.
- Sustainable – Capable of being maintained over the long term without harming the environment.
- Payload – The cargo carried by a spacecraft.
- Colonization – The establishment of a colony in a new place.
- Spacefaring – Traveling in or operating in outer space.
- Immersion – Deep involvement or engagement in a particular activity or environment.
Discussion Topics:
1. Would you like to travel to space? Why or why not?
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2. How can educational immersion experiences, help students learn more about space technology?
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3. Why do you think exploration is important for humanity?
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4. How can advances in technology benefit life on Earth?
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This page is to improve reading comprehension, expand vocabulary and encourage critical thinking about the future of space exploration. Through immersion in the subject and interactive activities, students can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the advancements in space technology.
Video
A Reusability Test of the Liquid Filled iSpace Hyperbola-2 VTVL Before the Hyperbola-3
2 Ton Payload
