Usain Bolt, Fastest Human On Earth . . . And Space?
Language
Reading Level
Listen to Article
After breaking numerous records on Earth, retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt recently put his legendary speed to test in “space.” The “out-of-this-world” race, staged in a zero gravity environment aboard an airplane designed for scientific research, took place over France on September 13, 2018. It was a publicity stunt organized by champagne maker G.H.Mumm, to showcase a newly-designed bottle, created to make it easier for astronauts and future space tourists to enjoy the beverage while floating through outer space.
To simulate zero-gravity conditions, the airplane performed parabolic-shaped dives, a maneuver that involves reducing thrust and lowering the nose to maintain a neutral, or “zero lift,” configuration. Often used to train astronauts in zero-g exercises, it provides about 25 seconds of weightlessness out of 65 seconds of flight in each parabola. Though his two competitors were comfortable not being supported by gravity, it was a new sensation for Bolt. He later said, “I was nervous but as soon as the first one [parabola] goes you kind of go, ‘Oh my God,’ what’s happening? But after the third one I was like ‘Yeah’, it’s crazy!”
However, the professional sprinter did not allow nerves to get in the way of his first space race. While Bolt managed to outrun his competitors only slightly in the first lap, he established, and maintained, an impressive lead on the return, leaving no doubt that he is indeed, the fastest man on earth and in space!
Though this was Bolt’s first zero-g experience, it's not his first foray into space. In 2017, the organizers of UK’s Big Bang Fair partnered with scientists from the University of Birmingham Astronomical Society to create a new set of constellations. Designed to inspire kids to “Look Up To The Stars,” they bear close resemblances to modern-day sports, entertainment, and science icons. Among the fun new star formations identified by the astronomers are Harry Potter’s glasses, Serena Williams’ racket, Paddington Bear’s boots and, best of all, Bolt’s signature victory pose!
Resources: Interestingengineering.com, birmingham.ac.uk, itv.com
Get the Workbook for this article!
Workbook contains: Article, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking Questions, Vocabulary in Context (+ answers), Multiple Choice Quiz (+ answers), Parts of Speech Quiz (+ answers), Vocabulary Game (+ answers)Cite Article
Learn Keywords in this Article
1420 Comments
yolunazover 1 yearThat’s super cool he needs an award for fastest runner in space and earth
cuveruni-167208550181almost 2 yearsnot gonna lie thats a lil trippy
bunnyjoyful_sababout 2 yearsWOW
adroit_avimimusalmost 3 yearsThat's so amazing! I'm a runner and I don't know how to run where there is no gravity!
megasusabout 3 yearsThat’s cool- megasusabout 3 yearsWow
nevaeh23about 2 yearswow
eggzover 3 yearsgo usain that was so cool it looks fun he looked like he had a good time!!!
pinkkitty9almost 4 yearsgo usain! I watched that video and it was hilarious. he can't run in space (actually, no one can run in space)- pinkkitty9almost 4 yearsI WISH I COULD FLOAT
kurzalmost 4 yearsSweet, go Usain!!!
kitkat15072about 4 yearsi've always wanted to float! it looks like so much fun
