Question

4 ACTIVATE Read sentences 1-6. Work in pairs and discuss whether you think these things are already possible, will be possible in the future or will never be possible. 1 Hotels will open in space. 2 Tourists will be able to visit other planets. 3 People will have their own personal space shuttle. 4 People will be able to experience weightlessness in their own home. 5 People will grow plants in space. 6 There will be budget flights to the moon costing about €100.​

Answer 1

In pairs, let's discuss whether we think these things are already possible, will be possible in the future, or will never be possible:

1. Hotels will open in space.

2. Tourists will be able to visit other planets.

3. People will have their own personal space shuttle.

4. People will be able to experience weightlessness in their own home.

5. People will grow plants in space.

6. There will be budget flights to the moon costing about €100.

7. Hotels will open in space. Discussion: As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, hotels in space have not yet become a reality. However, with the advancements in space exploration and tourism, it is possible that space hotels could be developed in the future. Some companies, such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, have expressed interest in space tourism, so it may be possible in the future.

8. Tourists will be able to visit other planets. Discussion: Currently, visiting other planets with human crewed missions is not possible. However, technological advancements in the future might make it possible for tourists to visit other planets. It would require significant developments in space travel and colonization, as well as ensuring the safety and sustainability of such missions.

9. People will have their own personal space shuttle. Discussion: Having personal space shuttles for individuals is unlikely to become a reality in the foreseeable future. Space shuttles are complex and expensive vehicles that require extensive training and infrastructure for operation. It is more likely that space travel will continue to be conducted through space agencies or commercial spaceflight companies rather than individuals owning personal shuttles.

10. People will be able to experience weightlessness in their own home. Discussion: Achieving weightlessness requires being in a microgravity environment, typically in space or during parabolic flights. Creating weightlessness within the confines of a home would be extremely challenging and likely not feasible. It is highly unlikely that people will be able to experience weightlessness in their own homes.

11. People will grow plants in space. Discussion: Growing plants in space is already possible and has been accomplished on the International Space Station (ISS). NASA and other space agencies have conducted experiments to grow plants in space to study the feasibility of sustainable food production during long-duration missions. Continued research and advancements in this area are expected, and it is likely that growing plants in space will become more commonplace in the future.

12. There will be budget flights to the moon costing about €100. Discussion: It is highly unlikely that there will be budget flights to the moon costing only €100. The costs associated with space travel, especially lunar missions, are currently very high due to the complexity and infrastructure requirements. While advancements in technology and space travel might lead to reduced costs over time, budget flights to the moon at such a low price point are improbable.