高中(學測,指考)◆英文題庫下載題庫

 49-52為題組

      Astronauts often work 16 hours a day on the space shuttle in order to complete all the projects set out for the mission. From space, astronauts study the geography, pollution, and weather patterns on Earth. They take many photographs to record their observations. Also, astronauts conduct experiments on the shuttle to learn how space conditions, such as microgravity, affect humans, animals, plants, and insects. Besides working, regular exercise is essential to keep the astronauts healthy in microgravity.

      Astronauts sometimes go outside the shuttle to work. They are protected by a space suit from the radiation of the Sun. Meanwhile, the space suit provides necessary oxygen supply and keeps the astronauts from feeling the extreme heat or cold outside the shuttle. 

      When the mission is over, the crew members get ready to return to Earth. The shuttle does not use its engines for a landing. It glides through the atmosphere. When the shuttle touches the land, a drag parachute opens to steady the aircraft, get the speed right, and help the brakes on the landing-gear wheels to bring it to a complete stop.