Imagine floating in space and exploring new planets. Being an astronaut is a dream job for many kids, but how does someone actually achieve this goal?
Irena Hui, an assistant curator at the Hong Kong Space Museum, tells Posties about what astronauts do and what it takes to become one.
What astronauts do
Astronauts are people who are trained to explore space. But to even be selected to join a space programme, they usually are required to be experts in science subjects, such as biology or physics. They also must fit the age and height requirements.
Once they are chosen, astronauts spend years training and helping to plan space missions. “They learn about spacecraft systems and go on simulated missions. They also learn how to live and work in space,” Hui said.
When they finally get to go into space, they get to see all sorts of amazing things! She said: “They can see the Earth, and it looks like a beautiful blue marble.”
They can see hurricanes from above and city lights at night. If the spacecraft is near the North or South Poles, they can even see beautiful natural light displays in the sky.
It takes a lot of hard work
But keep in mind, that being an astronaut is dangerous, too. They face risks, including the possibility of a spacecraft crash and cosmic radiation, which are particles from space that can damage the body.
“It’s a long and risky journey, but it’s worth learning about the universe,” Hui said.
Every year, Hong Kong’s Space Museum organises the “Young Astronaut Training Camp” with the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce for 30 students. Hui noted: “This is a great way to learn more about what it takes to become an astronaut. You’ll also get to meet other kids who are interested in space.”
Use the crossword below to test your knowledge of the vocabulary words in the story.
Suggested answers
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Before you read: Astronauts are important because they explore space and do experiments. They help us learn more about space travel, technology, and how humans can live in space. Their work inspires us and teaches us that we can do great things too.
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Stop and think: Being an astronaut is hard because training takes a long time. It’s also a risky job.
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Consider: By studying the universe, we can learn about planets, stars and galaxies. We can understand how everything in the universe began and how it changes. We can discover new things like black holes and forms of life on other planets.
