TOEFL Reading Practice #19

Instruction: Read the passage below carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Passage: Space Tourism: A New Frontier

Space tourism, once a concept confined to science fiction, is rapidly becoming a reality. Pioneering companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are leading the way in making commercial space travel accessible to non-astronauts. These advancements promise to transform how humans experience the cosmos.

The journey toward space tourism began with governmental space programs like NASA and the Soviet space agency. However, the modern industry has shifted to private companies, which have introduced new technologies and reduced costs. For instance, reusable rockets, developed by SpaceX, have significantly lowered the expenses of launching payloads into space.

Despite its potential, space tourism is not without challenges. The high cost of tickets—ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars—limits access to a small, wealthy demographic. Additionally, concerns about environmental impacts have arisen, as rocket launches emit greenhouse gases and contribute to atmospheric pollution.

Nevertheless, the benefits of space tourism are undeniable. It inspires innovation in space technology, promotes scientific research, and fosters global interest in space exploration. Moreover, commercializing space travel could pave the way for long-term goals such as establishing human colonies on other planets.

As the industry grows, addressing its economic, environmental, and ethical implications will be essential. By finding a balance between exploration and sustainability, space tourism can become a remarkable achievement for humanity.

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