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Dec 2020
14m 26s

29. China Lands on the Moon: Are we on t...

Thomas Wilkinson
About this episode

On today’s episode we are going to discuss the news that China has landed another probe on the surface of the moon. The Chinese mission intends to collect rock samples to bring back to Earth; the first time this will happen for over 40 years. Why is China interested in space exploration? Are we on the verge of a new space race? What is the scientific importance of moon rocks? We’ll look at all these questions and more on today’s episode!

TRANSCRIPT: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/12/03/china-lands-on-the-moon-are-we-on-the-verge-of-a-new-space-race-english-vocabulary-lesson/

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Vocabulary

Ensuing (adj) - happening after something and because of it

An argument broke out and in the ensuing fight someone got hurt

Proxy war (n) - a war fought between groups or smaller countries that each represent the interests of other larger powers, and may have help and support from these

The USA and USSR fought a proxy war in Korea

Capability (n) - the ability to do something

These tasks are beyond my capabilities

Probe (n) - a small spacecraft, with no one travelling in it, sent into space to make measurements and send back information to scientists on earth

There is currently a space probe heading towards the sun!

To analyse (v) - to study or examine something in detail, in order to discover more about it

Researchers analysed the purchases of 6300 households

Volcanic (adj) - of, or relating to, or made by a volcano

They were not expecting the volcanic eruption

Overdrive (n) - a state of great activity, effort, or hard work

The cast of the play was in overdrive rehearsing for the first performance

Lunar (adj) - of or relating to the moon

The lunar eclipse was beautiful


Comprehension Questions

Q. How much material does the Chinese probe hope to bring back to Earth?

A. about 2kg

Q. Where on the moon is China planning to land?

A. Close to an area known as Mons Rümker

Q. What private companies are involved in space exploration?

A. Space-X, Virgin Galactic, and Boeing

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