1 . Ever since the success of Apollo 11, when lunar travel was finally publicly acknowledged to be safe for humans, people have been waiting for the day when space would be opened up on a large scale to those who are not astronauts. It has finally become a reality, at least for people who have the means. The space flights are not cheap—each flight into outer space costs about U.S. $ 20 million.
But space travel agencies now have a clever plan to offer suborbital (亚轨道的) flights, which cost about U.S. $100 000. A lunar mission is also made available by space tourism agency, Space Adventures, where tourists, accompanied by one professional astronaut, would be able to reach within 100km of the Moon’s surface, enabling them to see the bright far-side of the moon and witness Earth rising above the surface of the moon.
Further extending the idea of space tourism, plans are underway to open a resort in space. In Galactic Suite Space Resort, a space resort started by a Spanish entrepreneur, guests are promised a remarkable experience with an orbital stay onboard with first-class resort facilities; they can enjoy a weightless spa as they watch 15 sunsets in one day; and tourists would be able to complete a single orbit in 80 minutes—all this while staying in a bio-inspired space, similar to a tropical paradise island!
Space tourism is, however, not environmentally-friendly. There are suggestions that black carbon emitted by the spacecraft could raise temperatures at the poles, contributing to global warming. An increase in space travel would mean that Man would not only leave his footprint in space but also his waste—space tourism can lead to pollution of the environment of the outer space.
Without a doubt, space tourism opens up new exciting possibilities. With time, the price would become more reasonable. Increasing commercialisation of space would also mean that a structure would be put in place for the disposal of rubbish. However, with no immediate solutions, space tourism would probably prove to be yet another controversial (有争议的) adventure of mankind.
1. What does the word “means” in Paragraph 1 mean?| A．Methods. | B．Courage. | C．Money. | D．Dreams. |
| A．It enables guests to see the bright far-side of the moon. |
| B．It offers high quality service to guests. |
| C．It promises guests can go around the world in one day. |
| D．It is built on a tropical paradise island. |
| A．Bright. | B．Uncertain. | C．Meaningless. | D．Disastrous. |
| A．To talk about the topic of space travel. |
| B．To warn people of the danger of space travel. |
| C．To encourage people to travel in space. |
| D．To call on people to protect outer space. |
2 . Imagine standing on one spot where the only direction is south. You can experience it if you join a group of just 128 passengers for your tip to the pole of the world. Your icebreaker ship, 50 Years of Victory, will take you to the North Pole, which is more commonly associated （联系） with fairy tales.
Days 1&2--From Helsinki to Murmansk
Your adventure begins from Helsinki, Finland’s capital. From Helsinki, you’ll join your fellow passengers on the flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll start your voyage to the North Pole and get to know 50 Years of Victory.
Days 3-6--Travelling towards the north in the Arctic Ocean
Being on Victory and feeling the icebreaker as it cuts through the Arctic pack ice is an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know your shipmates, and be treated to lectures and discussions about the trip by Our expedition （远征） team while seeing various birds. There are other things you can do, such as swimming and playing basketball.
Day7--90°North
Take photos, call your family and wave a flag; just be sure to enjoy your moment at the pole. If environmental conditions permit, you can jump into the icy waters around the North Pole. We’ll also attempt to send passengers high above the pole in our hot-air balloon to celebrate this great moment (highly weather dẹpendent).
Days 8 & 9--Travelling towards the south in the Arctic Ocean
As you head further south, you may get lucky and spot polar bears hunting for seals.
Days 10 & 11--Franz Josef Land
This group of 191 islands lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here you’ll explore Cape Flora and discover historic remains from three ill-fated arctic adventures.
Days 12 & 13--Getting off Victory in Murmansk and flying to Helsinki
When you return to Murmansk, it will be time to say goodbye to 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be sent to the airport for your flight to Helsinki.
1. What can passengers do from Day 3 to Day 6?| A．Break the pack ice in the Arctic. | B．Get to know more about the trip. |
| C．Feed a variety of birds on board. | D．Compete with your shipmates in skiing. |
| A．Taking a hot-air balloon ride. | B．Sending passengers deep into the icy waters. |
| C．Contacting your family by telephoning. | D．Waving flags and taking photos in the wind. |
| A．From Day 3 to Day 6. | B．From Day 8 to Day9. |
| C．On-Days 10 & 11. | D．On Days 12 & 13. |
