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Lesson

China vs. US: The New Moon Race

China and the US are competing to return to the moon, with both planning lunar bases and resource exploration. China may have an advantage due to its stable government and funding.

Source:theguardian.com

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Standard — Natural English

72 words · ~1 min read
The US and China are in a new race to the moon, nearly sixty years after the first moon landing. Both countries aim to establish lunar bases and explore for resources. China’s space program is well-funded and stable, while the US faces challenges from political changes and budget constraints. NASA is working with private companies to develop lunar landers, but China’s consistent government support may give it an edge in this competition.

Lesson audio

Standard level

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0:29

Test your understanding

Test your understanding

01What is the main goal of both China and the US in the lunar race?

02What advantage does China have over the US in this space race?

03Which private companies are mentioned as working on lunar landers?

04How does the current lunar race differ from the past race between the US and the Soviet Union?

Discussion

Discussion

What are the potential benefits and challenges of space exploration for humanity?

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

  • race word

    a competition to achieve something first

    “The two countries are in a race to land on the moon.”

  • lunar word

    related to the moon

    “They plan to build lunar bases for astronauts.”

  • resources word

    materials that can be used for economic gain

    “Both nations want to explore for resources on the moon.”

  • administration word

    the management of a business or organization

    “The China National Space Administration is well-funded.”

  • outsourced word

    to contract work to an external party

    “NASA has outsourced some mission components to private firms.”