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专题 01 阅读理解记叙文
Passage 1 (2022-2023上·四川广安·高二统考期末)
Thanks to the hard work of Space X, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin, space tourism is well on the way to becoming a reality. Now, the Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC) plans to give visitors a chance to extend their “out-of- the-world” experience by checking into a luxurious hotel in space.
The 650-foot-wide Ferris-wheel-like Voyager Space Station (VSS) will consist of two rings connected by spokes(轮辐) . The inner ring will be fitted with spacecraft docking stations (对接站) for guests. The outer ring will house the rooms, restaurants, bars, gyms, and scientific research labs. The solar-powered hotel will spin at speeds high enough to create artificial gravity, ensuring guests a comfortable stay. OAC hopes to attract not just tourists but also scientists, astronauts on long-distance missions, and even some semi-permanent residents.
While the idea is interesting, making VSS a reality will take time. The team is now building modules (舱) for a smaller prototype (样机) ring. The modules will be fitted together in zero-gravity, using semi-automatic robotic tools made for the purpose. Once completed, engineers will attempt to create artificial gravity similar to that on Mars- about 40 percent that of Earth.
Even if the prototype is wildly successful, transporting the modules to space will cost tens of billions of dollars. However, OAC, which expects to charge $5 million per person for each 3-day stay, is confident it will recoup the expense.
Guests at the VSS will be living in the greatest luxury. “You’re going to have the top chefs making really good food,” Orbital CEO John Blincow said. “And when you pay $5 million to go somewhere, it’s not going to be burgers and fries. And we want to have famous stars like Sting and Beyoncé come up and play." Visitors will also be able to participate in recreational activities that are not possible on Earth. Among the proposed ideas are zero gravity basketball games. Blincow sa