Out of this world delivery: Amazon boss to send supplies to MOON to establish BASE by 2020

AMAZON has revealed plans to help “America return to the moon” after its founder announced the firm would deliver supplies to the lunar satellite in 2020.

Jeff Bezos, co-founder of Amazon and owner of Blue Origin – a private space firm looking to rival SpaceX – is hoping to help humanity establish a colony on the moon by delivering supplies there.

The last time humans stepped foot on the astronomical body was 1972, but as natural resources begin to decrease on Earth, scientists are looking at the possibility of establishing colonies on other planets to ensure humanity’s continuity, with the moon seen as the perfect stepping stone.

An internal report from Blue Origin was obtained by the Washington Post – which Mr Bezos also owns – and outlines the space travel firm’s plans for future missions.

The proposal looks to Nasa for help in sending a ‘Blue Moon’ spacecraft to the south pole of the lunar satellite. Aboard the ship will be equipment to help humans establish a base on the moon.

The report reads: “Once on the surface, the lander’s useful payload can be used to conduct science. A robotic arm attached to the lander will expand to examine the lunar surface with an array of instruments.” 

Mr Bezos told the Washington Post: “It is time for America to return to the Moon — this time to stay. A permanently inhabited lunar settlement is a difficult and worthy objective.

The report goes on to say that the first missions could launch by July 2020, but that allegedly depends on how heavily Nasa is involved.

He added: “Our liquid hydrogen expertise and experience with precision vertical landing offer the fastest path to a lunar lander mission.  I'm excited about this and am ready to invest my own money alongside NASA to make it happen.”

Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

1. The aim of this move by Amazon is to set a community on the moon.
2. The moon seems to be the ideal place out of Earth to set a community.
3. The plans remain secret.
4. Amazon believes they can carry out these plans on their own.

Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words.

1. Why is it believed that a colony like this is necessary?
2. How is Amazon planning to carry out this plan?

Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.

1. To compete with (par.2)
2. To sketch, to draw (par.4)
3. Suggestion (par.5)
4. To carry out (par.6)
5. Range (par.6)

Question 4 (1.5 points) Choose the correct answer.

1. The plan will be carried out...

1. only with the money from the founder of Amazon.
2. although NASA does not invest any money.
3. only if NASA invests money on the project.
4. despite NASA’s money.

2. Scientists would not consider this kind of plans...

1. unless the resources on Earth had been higher.
2. if the resources were decreasing.
3. even though the resources were decreasing.
4. if the resources were increasing.

3. Amazon is believed...

1. to be delivering supplies in 2020.
2. to have been delivering supplies in 2020.
3. to will be delivering supplies in 2020.
4. to delivering supplies in 2020.

Question 5 (3 points) Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:

Shopping online is always the best option. Do you agree?

KEY

1. TRUE “help humanity establish a colony on the moon”
2. TRUE “the moon seen as the perfect stepping stone.”
3. FALSE “An internal report from Blue Origin was obtained by the Washington Post”
4. FALSE “The report goes on to say that the first missions could launch by July 2020, but that allegedly depends on how heavily Nasa is involved.“

1. A colony like this is believed to be necessary because we are running out of resources on earth and we are looking for different solutions to make our continuity as humans sure.
2. They are planning to send a spacecraft to the Moon with all the equipment needed to establish a permanent colony; they are trying to get the help from Nasa to carry out their plan.

1. (to) rival
2. (to) outline(s)
3. Proposal
4. (to) conduct
5. Array

1. c) only if NASA invests money on the project.
2. d) if the resources were increasing.
3. a) to be delivering supplies in 2020.