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Reading level

Small Whale · Reading worksheet

Uncrewed spaceflights to the International Space Station

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/uncrewed-spaceflights-to-the-international-space-station

Step 2 · Questions

1. What are robot rockets that deliver supplies to the International Space Station?
2. Why do we need robot rockets instead of astronauts to bring supplies?

Step 3 · Words to know

Write what each word means, using the article.

Orbital Mechanics
Rendezvous
Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS)

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 are robot rockets that deliver supplies to the International Space Station?They are uncrewed cargo spacecraft that travel to the ISS carrying food, water, oxygen, and experiments.
2. Why do we need robot rockets instead of astronauts to bring supplies?Robot rockets can carry more cargo, are cheaper, and can fly more often, keeping the station stocked without risking astronauts.

Orbital Mechanics: The study of the motion of objects in space under the influence of gravity.
Rendezvous: The process of bringing two spacecraft into close proximity in orbit.
Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS): A NASA program that funded private companies to develop cargo and crew transportation to the ISS.