Lesson
Voyager 1: NASA's Long-Lasting Spacecraft
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
NASA has turned off one of Voyager 1's instruments to extend its mission, highlighting its significance as the most distant human-made object.
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Standard — Natural English
63 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
Voyager 1 is a spacecraft that was launched in 1977. It was supposed to last five years but has worked for almost fifty years. NASA turned off one of its instruments to save power. Voyager 1 helps us learn about space.Standard version (B1–B2)
Voyager 1 is a robotic space probe launched by NASA in 1977. Originally designed for a five-year mission, it has now been operational for nearly fifty years. Recently, NASA decided to turn off one of its science instruments to conserve power and prolong its mission. Voyager 1 is the farthest human-made object from Earth and has provided valuable information about our solar system.Advanced version (C1–C2)
Launched on September 5, 1977, Voyager 1 was initially intended for a five-year mission to explore the outer planets of our solar system. Nearly fifty years later, it remains operational, making it the most distant human-made object. Recently, NASA engineers decided to shut down one of its remaining science instruments, not due to mission failure, but to extend its operational life as it runs low on power. The probe has provided invaluable data about Jupiter, Saturn, and beyond, utilizing a gravity assist technique that allowed it to explore multiple planets efficiently. Its continued operation is a testament to the ingenuity of space exploration.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
Test your understanding
01When was Voyager 1 launched?
02Why did NASA turn off one of Voyager 1's instruments?
03What is Voyager 1 known for?
04What technique did Voyager 1 use to explore multiple planets?
Discussion
Discussion
What do you think is the significance of Voyager 1's discoveries?
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
probe word
a spacecraft used for exploration
“Voyager 1 is a robotic space probe.”
mission word
a specific task or purpose
“The mission of Voyager 1 was to explore the outer planets.”
gravity assist word
a technique to gain speed by using a planet's gravity
“Voyager 1 used gravity assist to travel faster.”
instrument word
a tool used for scientific measurement
“NASA turned off one of Voyager 1's science instruments.”
operational word
functioning or in working order
“Voyager 1 has been operational for nearly fifty years.”