Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
India on December 18, 2014 successfully launched its heaviest rocket yet, and tested an
unmanned crew module in a step towards its manned space mission in twin achievements
that gave a big push to its space prowess. As India got a giant new satellite launch vehicle
that opened more commercial opportunities, the crew module CARE (Care Module
Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment) splashed down into the Bay of Bengal after it separated
from the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mark-III). The successful test of
the atmospheric re-entry of the 3.65 tonnes unmanned capsule came around 730 seconds
after the three-tonne rocket on its experimental mission lifted off at 9.30 a.m. from the
Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here.
While the rocket costs, [SRO ? 140 crore, the crew module has taken another ? 15 crore.
Three levels of parachutes especially designed by Agra-based DRDO Lab, Aerial Delivery
Research and Development Establishment helped the crew module descend safely into the
sea, about 180 km. from Indira Point, the southern tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This was a very significant day in the history of Indian Space Programme.” Indian Space
Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman said from the mission control, as fellow scientists
clapped and broke into a round of cheers. The President and the Prime Minister of India
were among other leaders Who congratulated the ISRO scientists for the feat that will help
carry heavier communication satellites. ”Successful launch of GSLV Mark-III is yet another
triumph of brilliance and hard work of our scientists.” quoted the Prime Minister.
GSLV Mark-III Project Director said that the country has made it again and it has a new
launch vehicle. ”India, you have a new launch vehicle with you. We have made it again,” he
said, ”We have made it again..... ISRO’s capability of launching heavier payloads has come to shape and this will change our destiny and our capability has significantly enhanced.”
The 2.7 metre tall cupcake-shaped crew module with a diameter of 3.1 metre features aluminium alloy internal structure with composite panels and oblative thermal production systems and can carry two to three astronauts.
Based on the above passage answer the following questions :
(a) What achievement gave a big push to the space prowess ?
(b) What helped the crew module descend safely ?
(c) Describe about the launching of the experimental mission.
(d) What was the reaction of the people concerned with the project?
(e) What was the statement made by the Director after its successful launch ?
(f) Describe the module.
(g) What was the cost incurred in making the module ?
(h) Choose words from the passage which mean :
(i) A superior skill that you can learn by study, practice and observation.
(ii) Increased or intensified in value or beauty or quality.
Answers
(a) India successfully launched its heaviest rocket yet and tested an unmanned crew module in a step towards its manned space mission in twin achievements that gave a big push to its space prowess.
(b) Three levels of parachutes, specially designed by Agra-based DRDO Lab Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, helped the crew module descend safely into the sea, about 180 km. from Indira Point.
(c) The successful test of the atmospheric re-entry of the 3.65 tonne unmanned capsule came around 730 seconds after the three-tonne rocket on its experimental mission lifted off at 9.30 am. from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
(d) ”This was a very significant day in the history of Indian space programme." ISRO Chairman said from the mission control, as fellow scientists clapped and broke into a round of cheers.
(e) ”We have made it again. ISRO’s capability of launching heavier payloads has come to shape and this will change our destiny and our capability has enhanced,” commented the Project Director.
(f) The module was 2.7 metre tall cupcake-shaped with a diameter of 3.1 metre featuring aluminium alloy internal structure with composite panels.
(g) The rocket cost ISRO ? 140 crore and the crew module had taken another ? 15 crore.
(h) (a) Prowess
(b) Enhanced