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Small Whale · Reading worksheet

Golden Dome (missile defense system)

High school (ages 12+)
Space & Astronomy

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/golden-dome--missile-defense-system-

Step 2 · Questions

1. What is the proposed system type?
2. What is the key operational component?

Step 3 · Words to know

Write what each word means, using the article.

Space-Based Interceptor
Orbital Decay
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
Atmospheric Drag

Step 4 · Two facts in your own words

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

1.

2.

Answer key (teacher copy)

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the proposed system type?Multi-layer, space-based missile defense system
2. What is the key operational component?Global constellation of satellites with sensors and space-based interceptors

Space-Based Interceptor: A projectile launched from orbit designed to physically collide with and destroy a target missile.
Orbital Decay: The gradual decrease in altitude of an orbiting object due to atmospheric drag or other forces.
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI): A proposed missile defense system by the U.S. in the 1980s, often referred to as 'Star Wars'.
Atmospheric Drag: The force that opposes the motion of an object through the atmosphere.