COMPETITIVE ENGLISH

English with Mrk

Curated Editorials for Competitive Exams

Topic: The Junk in Our Stars (Space Science)
Source: Adapted from Daily Editorials
Marks: 12

Name: ______________________ Date: ________________

Read the Passage:

1. The 21st century is witnessing a new "Space Race," but unlike the Cold War era, the players are not just superpowers but also private corporations and emerging economies like India. With the success of Chandrayaan-3 and the ambitious roadmap for the 'Bharatiya Antariksh Station' (Indian Space Station), humanity's footprint in the cosmos is expanding rapidly. However, a recent editorial warns that this golden age of exploration faces a dark, looming threat: Space Debris.

2. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is becoming dangerously congested. Decades of launches have left behind a junkyard of dead satellites, spent rocket stages, and millions of paint flecks traveling at bullets' speeds. Scientists call this the "Kessler Syndrome"—a theoretical scenario where the density of objects in orbit is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade, creating more debris and rendering space exploration impossible for generations.

3. The concern is not just about future missions but our daily lives. Satellites that power our GPS, weather forecasting, and banking systems are at constant risk. A collision involving a critical satellite could disrupt the global economy instantly. The editorial highlights that space is a "global commons," much like the high seas, yet it lacks strict traffic rules.

4. Fortunately, solutions are emerging. India's ISRO has been praised for its recent POEM (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module) mission, which practically left "zero debris" in orbit by de-orbiting itself into the Earth's atmosphere to burn up. This "leave no trace" approach is vital. Furthermore, international charters are pushing for "Design for Demise" technologies, ensuring that satellites self-destruct safely at the end of their life.

5. The editorial concludes that while the ambition to reach Mars and beyond is noble, the immediate priority must be sustainability. If we do not clean up our act near Earth, the door to the stars may be slammed shut by our own garbage.

Answer the following questions: (12 Marks)

Q1. The "Kessler Syndrome" mentioned in Paragraph 2 refers to: (1 Mark)

A) A disease affecting astronauts in space. B) The failure of rocket engines during launch. C) A chain reaction of collisions creating more space debris. D) The competition between private space companies.

Q2. According to Paragraph 3, why is space debris a threat to the "global economy"? (1 Mark)

A) Because cleaning it up is very expensive. B) Because it can destroy satellites used for banking and GPS. C) Because it blocks sunlight from reaching Earth. D) Because it stops tourists from visiting space.

Q3. Why was ISRO's "POEM" mission praised in the editorial? (1 Mark)

A) It landed on the Moon safely. B) It discovered water on Mars. C) It traveled faster than any other rocket. D) It left practically "zero debris" in orbit.

Q4. The phrase "Global Commons" in Paragraph 3 implies that space: (1 Mark)

A) Belongs to no single country and is for everyone. B) Is owned by the United Nations. C) Is common only for rich countries. D) Has very common and cheap resources.

Q5. True or False: According to the passage, the "Space Race" of the 21st century involves only government superpowers like the USA and Russia. (1 Mark)

True False

Q6. Complete the sentence: "Design for Demise" technologies ensure that satellites ________________________ at the end of their life. (1 Mark)

Q7. List three items mentioned in Paragraph 2 that constitute "Space Junk". (1 Mark)

Q8. What is the "immediate priority" mentioned in the conclusion? (1 Mark)

Q9. How does the passage describe the speed of paint flecks in orbit? (1 Mark)

Q10. What is the full form of LEO mentioned in the passage? (1 Mark)

Q11. (Vocabulary) Find a word from Paragraph 2 that means "overcrowded" or "blocked up". (1 Mark)

Q12. (Vocabulary) Find a word from Paragraph 5 that is the ANTONYM (opposite) of "Ignoble" or "Dishonorable". (1 Mark)

Teacher's Answer Key

1. (C) A chain reaction of collisions creating more space debris.
2. (B) Because it can destroy satellites used for banking and GPS.
3. (D) It left practically "zero debris" in orbit.
4. (A) Belongs to no single country and is for everyone.
5. False (Para 1 states it includes private corporations and emerging economies).
6. ...self-destruct safely...
7. Dead satellites, spent rocket stages, paint flecks.
8. Sustainability.
9. "Traveling at bullets' speeds."
10. Low Earth Orbit.
11. Congested
12. Noble