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An
experimental cleanup device called RemoveDEBRIS
has successfully cast a net around a dummy (仿真的) satellite, imitating a technique that
could one day collect spaceborne garbage.
The
test, which was carried out this week, is widely believed to be the first
successful demonstration of space cleanup technology, experts told CNN. And it
symbolizes an early step toward solving what has already been a critical issue:
junk in space.
Millions
of pieces of junk are turning around in orbit the result of 50 years of space
travel and few regulations to keep space clean. At orbital speeds, even a small
bit of paint crashing with a satellite can cause critical damage.
Various
companies have plans to send thousands of new satellites into low-Earth orbit,
already the most crowded area.
The RemoveDEBRIS experiment is run by a
company and researchers led by the U. K.'s Surrey Space Center and includes
Airbus, Airbus-owned Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. and France's ArianeGroup.
Guglielmo
Aglietti, the director of Surrey Space Center, said that an operational version
of the RemoveDEBRlS technology would
cast a net that remains fastened to the main satellite so the debris can be
dragged out of orbit. It could target large pieces of junk, including dead
satellites up to 10 meters long.
The RemoveDEBRIS satellite will conduct a
few more experiments in the coming months, including testing navigation
features that could help guide the satellite to a specific piece of debris.
Jonathan
McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics,
said the success of this week's experiment was exciting, but he cautioned
against "over- publicizing" it.
There
are still enormous barriers to clear before operational cleanup tasks are
underway, he said, and the most discouraging is figuring out how to fund such
projects.
Aglietti,
the Surrey professor who helped lead the RemoveDEBRIS
project, said "The challenge will lie in persuading the relevant
authorities to sponsor these tasks." Aglietti said he hopes RemoveDEBRIS will conduct a few cleanup
tasks per year, targeting the largest pieces of junk in the most crowded
orbits.
(1)
What is the use of the RemoveDEBRIS satellite?
A . Demonstrating space technology.
B . Imitating a developing technique.
C . Collecting wastes existing in space.
D . Symbolizing great progress in space.
(2)
How does the RemoveDEBRlS satellite work?
A . By throwing a net to take the junk from orbit.
B . By fastening it to the main satellite tightly.
C . By dragging satellites up to 10 meters long.
D . By targeting large pieces of junk carefully.
(3)
What does the underlined word "sponsor" in the last paragraph probably mean?
A . Accomplish.
B . Support.
C . Oppose.
D . Provide.
(4)
What's the best title for the text?
A . The RemoveDEBRIS Project Is Perfect
B . How RemoveDEBRIS Is Invented in the Lab
C . Why the RemoveDEBRIS Satellite Is Invented
D . Satellite Collects Space Junk for the First Time
答案: C
A
B
D