People have dreamed of travelling in space for thousands of years. But it was not until 1957 that it became a reality.

On October 4, 1957 Russia launched the first man-made satellite into space. It was called Sputnik 1.
Scientists are already at work on the International Space Station, a “city of space”. It will be the size of a football field and will weigh over 200 tons. A team of 10-15 spacemen will probably be able to live and work at the International Space Station in 2005.

The next step will be the first moonbase. 20 or 30 scientists will live inside a dome with an artificial atmosphere. This will make it possible for them to live and work without spacesuits. It also means that they will be able to grow food.

If the moonbase is a success, the first lunar city will be built. It will have schools and universities, cinemas and discos, scientific laboratories and hospitals. Even babies will be born on the moon!

The next great step will be when people land on our nearest planet Mars. Scientists say that the planet once had water on its surface. If that water is now frozen underground, humans will be able to use it someday. By the end of the 21st century hope, it will be possible to “terraform” Mars –transform the planet into an earthlike place with air and water.

Choose true or false:

1. The International Space Station will weigh over 200 tons.

false
true

2. If the moonbase is a success, the first sun city will be built.

true
false

3. In the future humans will use frozen water from Mars.

true
false