Lesson
Rocket Launch Planned from Shetland Spaceport
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
HyImpulse Technologies will launch a rocket from Shetland this year. This follows a successful flight in Australia and aims to support microgravity experiments.
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Standard — Natural English
74 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
A company called HyImpulse will launch a rocket from Shetland. This is the second company to do so. The rocket is called SR75 and will help with experiments in space. It uses special fuel made from paraffin wax. The launch is planned for late summer.Standard version (B1–B2)
HyImpulse Technologies GmbH has announced plans to launch its SR75 suborbital rocket from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland this year. This follows a successful launch in Australia. The rocket is designed for microgravity experiments and can carry payloads of up to 250 kg. The company aims to demonstrate new propulsion technology using paraffin wax as fuel. The launch is expected to take place in late summer, marking a significant step in establishing European launch operations.Advanced version (C1–C2)
HyImpulse Technologies GmbH has signed an agreement to conduct a rocket launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland later this year, following a successful inaugural flight of its SR75 suborbital vehicle in Australia. The SR75 is engineered for microgravity experiments and atmospheric research, capable of carrying payloads up to 250 kg. The propulsion system utilizes a hybrid design that incorporates paraffin wax as fuel, which is touted for its safety and efficiency. Co-founder Dr. Christian Schmierer emphasized that this launch represents a pivotal advancement in establishing European launch capabilities. The company is targeting a late summer launch, with plans for an orbital launch by 2027.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What is the name of the rocket being launched?
02Where is the launch site located?
03What type of fuel does the rocket use?
04What is the purpose of the SR75 rocket?
Discussion
How do you think space exploration will change in the next decade?
Vocabulary
launch word
to send something into the air or space
“The company plans to launch a new rocket.”
payload word
the cargo carried by a rocket or vehicle
“The rocket can carry a payload of 250 kg.”
suborbital word
a flight that goes into space but does not complete an orbit
“The SR75 is a suborbital rocket designed for experiments.”
propulsion word
the action of driving or pushing something forward
“The propulsion system of the rocket is innovative.”
experiment word
a test or trial to discover something new
“Scientists will conduct an experiment in microgravity.”