B. NASA's Space Center constantly works hard to develop technology that helps people understand space better.
Space Exploration
December 2016 In this issue: Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.
Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
1 NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston has existed for over 50 years. It has led the world on a continuing adventure of human exploration, discovery, and achievement. The center has played an important role in bringing the United States into the 21st century through technological inventions and scientific discoveries. The people who work at JSC have made advances in science, technology, engineering, and medicine. This has helped people explore our world and outer space and gain endless knowledge from that exploration.
2 The Johnson Space Center was established in 1961 as the Manned Spaceflight Center. It was the home and Mission Control Center for the U.S. human spaceflight program. In 1973, it was renamed in honor of the late President, and Texas native, Lyndon B. Johnson. The Johnson Center's complex occupies 1,620 acres of land southeast of downtown Houston. JSC presently serves as the home of mission control, lead for NASA's International Space Station operations and missions, home to the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, and base for many other advanced human exploration projects.
3 The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center holds several artifacts that are worth a visit. For example, several historic space capsules are on display at the space center. They include the Faith 7 Mercury capsule flown by Gordon Cooper; Gemini 5, flown by Gordon Cooper and Pete Conrad; and the Apollo 17 Command Module, flown to the Moon and back by Gene Cernan, Ronald Evans, and Harrison Schmitt. NASA's latest-generation space capsule, Orion, is also on display.
4 Along with the space capsules, the JSC holds the famous Lunar Module; it hangs from the ceiling. This spacecraft, named LTA-8, served as a test unit for astronaut training. The spacecraft from which six astronauts descended to the surface of the Moon had the same design as LTA-8. Their Lunar Modules acted as their base while on the Moon. Later, it helped them return to the Lunar Orbit when their stay was over. The Apollo 13 Lunar Module acted as a lifeboat after that flight's Service Module was damaged. It helped the crew return safely to Earth.
5 NASA's robots called Robonauts are also designed at the Johnson Space Center. One such robot is currently at the International Space Station. The Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 at the space center is a good place to see the Robonauts. Some tours let people see the inside of the building from above. Other special tours take people across the building floor for a close-up look at Robonauts and other wonders at the space center.
6 The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center is a wondrous place that displays the history of space exploration and the technology of the future, all under one roof.
Did You Know?
According to NASA's website, the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center contains the Space Food Systems Laboratory, where chemists prepare special meals for astronauts and figure out space-friendly packaging and preparation methods.
11
Which of these is an important idea expressed in the article?
A.
In recent times, space exploration has taken a new leap as NASA is aiming to send people to space to explore other bodies.
B.
NASA's Space Center constantly works hard to develop technology that helps people understand space better.
C.
NASA's Space Center helps children gain interest in science and astronomy and motivates them to become scientists.
D.
Lately, NASA has spent a lot of money to develop advanced robots that will help astronauts in deep space exploration.
1 answer