Astronauts home after 9 months in space: BBC Learning English from the News

BBC Learning English • 2025-03-19T14:14:10Z • 9:28 • intermediate • News

Lead

After an unexpected nine-month adventure in space, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have finally returned to Earth! Discover the fascinating details of their journey and learn some new vocabulary along the way.

Video

Quiz

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Q1. What was the original planned duration of the astronauts' mission in space?

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Q2. What does the word 'stuck' imply in the context of the astronauts' situation?

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Q3. What spacecraft did the astronauts initially arrive on?

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Q4. What is the meaning of the phrasal verb 'head back' as used in the video?

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Q5. What does the word 'gruelling' suggest about the astronauts' experience?

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Vocabulary

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astronaut

/ˈæstrəˌnɔt/

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Definition

A person trained to travel in a spacecraft.

Example

The astronaut floated gracefully in the zero-gravity environment of the space station.

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stranded

/ˈstrændɪd/

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Definition

Left in a difficult situation with no means of leaving.

Example

The hikers were stranded on the mountain when a sudden storm hit.

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gruelling

/ˈɡruːəlɪŋ/

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Definition

Extremely tiring and demanding; exhausting.

Example

The gruelling marathon left the runners completely exhausted.

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head back

/hɛd bæk/

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Definition

To return to a previous location.

Example

After a long day at the beach, we decided to head back home.

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technical

/ˈtɛknɪkəl/

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Definition

Relating to a particular subject, especially a branch of science or technology.

Example

The technical issues with the spacecraft delayed the astronauts' return.

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mission

/ˈmɪʃən/

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Definition

An important task or duty assigned to a person or group.

Example

The astronauts' mission was to conduct experiments in space.

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