文章大意:这是一篇说明文。文章介绍了中国在新发射的航天器中进行了首次太空3D打印实验。一旦基于太空的3D打印技术可以投入使用,将为未来的太空旅行节约大量的资源和成本。太空船还搭载了由CoSats航天技术公司通过3D打印设计制造的CubeSat部署器,3D打印部署器比同类产品更轻、更坚固,在航天领域将有巨大潜力。
Today, China has conducted its first 3D printing experiment in space in a newly launched spacecraft, which was put into low-Earth orbit by China’s Long March 5B heavy lift carrier rocket.
Video broadcast on CCTV showed that the printer has printed a flat section of a honeycomb-shaped structure as well as a symbol of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the parent company of the China Academy of Space Technology. The experiment was done by a 3D printer, developed and built by its Beijing Spacecrafts Manufacturing Factory, inside the prototype (原型) of China’s new — generation manned spacecraft.
The printer, named the Space-Based Composite Material 3D Printing System, uses carbon fiber-reinforced materials to autonomously print objects. It is placed in the reentry module (返回舱) of the experimental spaceship, and will be brought back to Earth once the module returns.
The printer features advanced technologies in material modeling, accuracy control and automation. Once the space-based 3D printing technology becomes operationally ready, it can extensively benefit space programs as astronauts can use it to manufacture (大规模制造) a lot of things they currently now need to obtain from resupply flights by cargo spacecraft.
Wang Yanan, editor-in-chief of the Aerospace Knowledge magazine, said the 3D Printer will be very useful in extended space missions, such as those in a space station, because it will allow astronauts to make components (零件) quickly and conveniently in space. The technology will save future space journeys considerable resources and costs.
In fact, the device is not the only representative of 3D printing on board the Prototype.
A CubeSat deployer, designed and made through 3D printing by CoSats Space Technology, is also carried by the spacecraft to check the adaptability of 3D-printed equipment in space. CoSats Chief Operating Officer Bai Ruixue said the 3D-Printed deployer is much lighter and stronger than its counterparts and it will have huge potential in the space industry.
12. What did the video broadcast on CCTV show to the audience?
A.The process and the products of the 3D printing. |
B.The name and the shape of the 3D printer. |
C.The significance of the 3D printing technology. |
D.The relationship between the two companies. |
13. What if a component is broken in the space station now?
A.It has to be sent by spaceship back to earth for repair. |
B.The astronauts make one using 3D printing and replace it. |
C.The astronauts can fix it conveniently by hand on the spot. |
D.It has to be unloaded and abandoned in space. |
14. Why is the last paragraph mentioned?
A.To introduce the CubeSat deployer produced in space. |
B.To explain the advantages of the 3D printing in space. |
C.To show the adaptability of 3D printing in space. |
D.To indicate a bright future of 3D printing in space. |
15. What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.3D printing experiment conducted in space. | B.3D printing set to help ease space trips. |
C.3D printing launched by Long March 5B. | D.3D printing—a new way to explore space. |