Astronauts see the far side of the moon

The Artemis II is on a mission to the moon. During its journey, astronauts will get a view none of us have ever seen: the other side of the moon. However, the trip is not without its challenges.

Words:

• The far side of the moon is the part of the moon that we never see from Earth. 
• Plain sailing means that something is going smoothly, without problems or difficulties. 
• A universal waste management system is a technical system that handles waste. 
• Temperamental describes something that is unpredictable or changes moods easily. If a machine is temperamental, it might work well one moment and cause problems the next.
• When you’re in microgravity, things seem almost weightless, for example when astronauts float in space. It happens because gravity is much weaker than on Earth.
• Surreal describes something that feels strange, dreamlike, or hard to believe.
• A watchful eye means someone is paying close attention or carefully observing something.
• Inherently means something is a basic or natural part of a person or thing. For example, if algebra is inherently difficult, it means being difficult is part of it.
• Reunited means to be brought together again after being apart. 

Video:

Warming up

1. This video describes the Artemis II mission to the moon. What do you already know about this mission? Write down what you know, or look up some key facts about the mission.

2. This isn’t the first time humans are visiting the moon. What do you know about our previous visits to the moon? Write down facts like what, when, who, why, and how.

Questions about the video

Watch the video from 0:00-1:15.

3. The mission is going well, but there is one problem. What is that problem?

4. Choose true or false for the following statements.

The astronauts are on their way back from the moon. True/False?

The crew saw the far side of the moon for the first time during this mission. True/False?

The astronauts can call their families from the ship. True/False?

5. Reid Wiseman says it was “spectacular” to see the moon from their ship. What was “spectacular” about it seeing it this way?

A: That something so far away is suddenly so close.

B: That it does not look the way humans are used to see it.

C: That it made her feel small as a human.

D: That the colours were different from what she expected.

Now watch the video from 1:15 to the end of the video.

6. What is an easier word for a “universal waste management system”?

7. Fill in the missing words.

The universal waste management system, which is supposed to handle waste in space, had a ______ vent. This vent is used to _____ wastewater outside the spacecraft. Because of this issue, the system is not working ________. The astronauts have “collapsible contingency urine devices” as a ______. Each astronaut has ___ of these devices.

Task

Option 1: Imagine you had to travel on the Artemis II. What would you bring with you to keep yourself entertained? Write a list of 3-4 things. Remember: some everyday things will not work in space, including ballpoint pens and normal computers. Make sure what you bring will work in space.

Option 2: The Artemis II mission will cost about 4 billion dollars in total. Some people argue that this money is better spent on something else. What do you think? Explain your opinion in a short paragraph.

Van de makers van All Right!, Of Course! en Taalblokken Engels