Smile Spacecraft Starts Science Work
The mission will study how particles from the Sun affect Earth.
The Smile spacecraft is ready to begin its science work. It is a joint project from Europe and China. Teams tested the spacecraft after its launch in May.
Smile has four science tools. They will study solar wind, Earth's magnetic field and the northern lights. This research can help scientists understand space storms that may affect satellites and other technology.
Source: European Space Agency, 2026-09-30.
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Vocabulary
- Research
- careful study used to discover or test information
- Technology
- tools and systems created using scientific knowledge
- Launch
- to send a vehicle into the air or space, or to start something new
Comprehension
What happened in this story, and why does it matter?
Answer guide
The mission will study how particles from the Sun affect Earth. Add one supporting fact from the article.
Quick check
Which sentence best describes this story?
- Blue Origin's New Glenn 9x4 can now compete to launch future NASA missions.
- The mission will study how particles from the Sun affect Earth.
- The uncrewed Flight 14 marked a new stage in SpaceX testing.
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The best answer is B.
Grammar focus: Past simple
Find action verbs that describe completed events. Example forms include “started,” “said,” and “found.”