Mars Descent Reading Answers

Mar 5, 2025

Mars Descent Reading Answers contains 13 questions, and it is a topic belonging to the assessment system of IELTS general reading test. Mars Descent Reading Answers has to be answered within 20 minutes. In this IELTS reading section, there are questions like Labeling the paragraphs with a title given below and Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage. Also, Mars Descent Reading Answers speaks about the successful Mars landing which was carried out by SpaceX. To practice reading papers like that, the candidates can refer to IELTS Reading Practice test.

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Topic:

Mars Descent

SpaceX, a cutting-edge rocket technology company, recently managed to successfully land one of its rocket’s spent boosters, achieving a monumental milestone in the quest for reusable rockets. A few minutes into a Falcon 9 rocket launch (built and designed by SpaceX), the boosters separated from the rest of the rocket as usual as thousands before have done, but on this occasion, it flipped over and reignited auxiliary engines to slow and guide it to a nearby launch pad where it landed safely and successfully.

A. NASA landed men on the moon in the late 1960s and has been sending exploratory satellites and robotic probes since that time too. Now it plans to send astronauts to the red planet sometime in the 2030s, but then only to orbit the planet. The ultimate goal of actually landing a spacecraft with confidence and success is an extremely dangerous and tricky feat to achieve some decades after that.

B. Thus, NASA is now working with companies such as SpaceX and other private enterprises on projects such as a "Mission to Mars" to develop the technology and expertise to consistently overcome such challenges that SpaceX recently triumphed at, and numerous other challenges too.

C. Problems to face are not only technical in nature, but they are physiological too. For instance, the very real and well-known issue of weightlessness will need to be addressed. Hollywood conveys the fun of weightlessness; however, the reality is that it makes astronauts sick and weak as their bones waste away in zero gravity, and also vision impairment occurs as fluid collects in the brain and presses on the eyeballs.

D. The natural environment throws up further considerations too, as radiation is a constant hazard. In particular, a long journey in space exposes the crew to potentially high doses of radiation through solar flares and cosmic rays. On moon missions and orbiting the Earth, this is not something to be concerned about as the Earth’s magnetic field essentially protects us from most of this. Feeding the crew and keeping them hydrated are further complications on top of this.

E. Mars at its closest is 34 million miles away—which is approximately 140 times farther than the moon. Thus, to send a space mission there requires a radically upgraded spacecraft that would house them comfortably for months on end. It is projected that a three-piece spaceship would be required, according to conceptual designers—one that can both provide the power to get there, the shields from radiation, and the supplies needed.

F. It is proposed that, firstly, a crew vehicle would transport the crew to an Earth orbit where they would rendezvous with a habitat module. These two would be attached together to make the arduous journey through deep space to Mars. Upon reaching Mars, the crew would transfer to the 'Mars Descent' vehicle, which would already have been sent ahead, to make the final descent to the surface of the planet.

G. Getting there requires a lot of fuel, and getting back just might require the making of chemical fuel and the oxygen to burn it on Mars itself. Chemical fuels, though, are comparatively bulky and inefficient; therefore, nuclear power and solar power are mentioned as serious and viable alternatives to this. Safety concerns regarding the installing of a nuclear reactor on a spaceship are the disadvantage that weighs against its huge positive—which is that it creates enormous power efficiently. Solar power is considered to be relatively weak in comparison but it is reliable and may be more suited to the slower moving of cargo ships over longer distances.

H. Living in space for a lengthy period of time is quite a problematic scenario as it is estimated to be a 6-year trip away from home. That includes the journey out, orbiting, time on the planet’s surface, and then the long haul back. However, there are four considerations that NASA and other scientists are engaging themselves in with various research projects to prepare for this.

I. First of all, is the consideration of morale, whereby having enough space and good food to keep all on board comfortable and positive for the entire operation is strongly desirable. Crops from 'green walls,' for example, could supplement a space-food diet. Protection from the unavoidable hazard of radiation is essential, and one proposition on the drawing board currently is utilizing water-filled walls to shield the astronauts. Another consideration is repairs, as critical systems, including air and water recycling, will be core systems to maintain. Finally, exercise is considered critical to both mental and physical health, so plenty of vigorous workouts will somehow have to be devised.

Questions 28-35

Label the paragraphs (A-I) with a title given below.

28. Misleading movie industry conceptions ignore the very real physical demands on the crew.

Answer: C

Supporting statement: "Hollywood conveys the fun of weightlessness; however, the reality is that it makes astronauts sick and weak as their bones waste away in zero gravity, and also vision impairment occurs as fluid collects in the brain and presses on the eyeballs."

Keywords: Hollywood, reality

Keyword Location: para C, line 3

Explanation: While movies often depict weightlessness as enjoyable, it has significant negative effects on the human body, such as weakening bones and impairing vision. This highlights the serious physiological challenges astronauts face in space.

29. Close collaboration with similarly focused institutes and organisations

Answer: B

Supporting statement: "NASA is now working with companies such as SpaceX and other private enterprises on projects such as a 'Mission to Mars'."

Keywords: NASA, other private enterprises

Keyword Location: para B, line 1

Explanation: NASA is collaborating with private companies like SpaceX to leverage external expertise, allowing them to tackle the complex challenges of a Mars mission. This close cooperation accelerates the technological development required for success.

30. The multitude of hazards that an extended period of time away from Earth throws up.

Answer: C

Supporting statement: "Problems to face are not only technical in nature, but they are physiological too."

Keywords: Problems, physiological

Keyword Location: para C, line 1

Explanation: The challenges for astronauts going to Mars are diverse, from technical to physiological issues like weightlessness and radiation exposure. These hazards are amplified by the duration of the journey and the harsh environment of space.

31. The pros and cons regarding the propulsion systems under consideration.

Answer: G

Supporting statement: "Chemical fuels, though, are comparatively bulky and inefficient; therefore, nuclear power and solar power are mentioned as serious and viable alternatives to this."

Keywords: Chemical fuels, bulky

Keyword Location: para G, line 2

Explanation: Chemical fuels are bulky and inefficient, making them less ideal for a Mars mission. However, nuclear power offers high efficiency, and solar power is reliable, though not as strong, showing a trade-off in choosing the best propulsion system.

32. The longer term aim would be to possibly land with confidence on Mars in the middle to late 21st Century.

Answer: A

Supporting statement: "The ultimate goal of actually landing a spacecraft with confidence and success is an extremely dangerous and tricky feat to achieve some decades after that."

Keywords: ultimate goal, landing a spacecraft

Keyword Location: para A, line 4

Explanation: The long-term aim of landing a spacecraft on Mars is complex and dangerous, with success expected to be achieved in the 2030s or later. This goal will require decades of research, testing, and technological advancements.

33. The worries concerning scientists of the mission to Mars are providing enough water and sufficient food, plus losing Earth's natural defences against radioactive particles.

Answer: D

Supporting statement: "Feeding the crew and keeping them hydrated are further complications on top of this."

Keywords: Feeding, crew

Keyword Location: para D, line 3

Explanation: Ensuring that astronauts have enough water and food for the journey is a critical concern, compounded by the lack of Earth’s protective magnetic field, which leaves them vulnerable to harmful radiation.

34. A complicated and complex three step procedure to get there.

Answer: F

Supporting statement: "It is proposed that, firstly, a crew vehicle would transport the crew to an Earth orbit where they would rendezvous with a habitat module."

Keywords: crew vehicle, habitat module

Keyword Location: para F, line 1

Explanation: The journey to Mars involves a detailed, three-phase process: first sending a crew vehicle to orbit Earth, then meeting with a habitat module, and finally making the descent to Mars, demonstrating the complexity of the mission.

35. The vastly greater distance requires a greatly improved vehicle providing the protection and the adequate materials to sustain the project.

Answer: E

Supporting statement: "Mars at its closest is 34 million miles away—which is approximately 140 times farther than the moon."

Keywords: miles away, Mars

Keyword Location: para E, line 1

Explanation: The enormous distance to Mars requires significant advancements in spacecraft technology to ensure astronauts are adequately protected and supplied for the lengthy journey, including power, radiation shielding, and life-support systems.

Questions 36-40

Do the following statements agree with the information

given in the reading passage?

In boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet write:

TRUE - if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE - if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN - if there is no information on this

36. The Falcon 9 rocket itself went on to complete a hugely successful mission.

Answer: Not Given

Supporting statement: -

Keywords: -

Keyword Location: -

Explanation: The passage only describes the successful landing of the booster, not the entire mission. The passage does not indicate whether the mission was considered a huge success in all aspects.

37. It is predicted that by the 2030s the latest wave of space explorers will be touching down on Mars.

Answer: False

Supporting statement: "NASA plans to send astronauts to the red planet sometime in the 2030s, but then only to orbit the planet."

Keywords: NASA, 2030s

Keyword Location: para A, line 3-4

Explanation: The 2030s plan only involves sending astronauts to orbit Mars, not landing on it.

38. NASA and SpaceX are solely focusing on the 'Mission to Mars' project.

Answer: False

Supporting statement: "NASA is now working with companies such as SpaceX and other private enterprises on projects such as a 'Mission to Mars'..."

Keywords: NASA, other private enterprises

Keyword Location: para B, line 1

Explanation: The passage indicates NASA is working with multiple private enterprises, not just SpaceX, on the 'Mission to Mars' project.

39. Weightlessness concerns related to lengthy periods of time in space are due to the gravitational field being half that of on Earth.

Answer: False

Supporting statement: "The reality is that it makes astronauts sick and weak as their bones waste away in zero gravity, and also vision impairment occurs as fluid collects in the brain and presses on the eyeballs."

Keywords: zero gravity, astronauts

Keyword Location: para C, line 3-4

Explanation: The issue of weightlessness is related to zero gravity, not a weaker gravitational field.

40. The exposure to possible large amounts of radiation on the space flights is a routine fear.t

Answer: False

Supporting statement: "Radiation is a constant hazard... a long journey in space exposes the crew to potentially high doses of radiation through solar flares and cosmic rays."

Keywords: Radiation, solar flares

Keyword Location: para D, line 1-2

Explanation: The passage describes the radiation hazard as a real concern, not a routine fear.

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