Space and space travel are exciting, but also very dangerous. Astronauts and cosmonauts have faced big problems. Sometimes machines fail, sometimes people make mistakes. Each problem teaches us how to make space travel safer.
English to go – May 2026
by Charlie Weber
Space Problems
“Houston, we’ve had a Problem!”
Listen and read along
Apollo 13
Apollo 13
One of the most famous problems happened with Apollo 13 in 1970. Three astronauts – Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise – were on their way to the moon when an oxygen tank exploded. Their spaceship lost power and air, and they could not land. The astronauts and NASA ground control worked together to find clever solutions. After many days of danger, the crew came safely back to Earth. In 1995, the film “Apollo 13”, starring Tom Hanks, showed the whole story.
Now, listen to the next part. Then answer the question and go on reading.
Soyuz 1
Question: What was the name of the Soviet spacecraft that crashed?
Answer: a) Soyuz 1 b) Soyuz 10
Now you will hear some more information about space problems.
When you have finished listening, click on the worksheet and do the exercises.
Other Accidents
Time for a Joke:
Question: Why did the cow go to outer space?
Answer: To visit the Milky Way!
Go on to the May quiz now!
