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
leiker1414over 4 yearsI wanna go up to space one day.
blacklivesover 4 yearsBut they are really cool😎😎- blacklivesover 4 yearsThey are all winners...so good and fast😔
roadmaster10985over 4 yearsFunny in slow motion
lovebooks123over 4 yearsI guess he is fast in earth and in space
gothikover 4 yearsi want to float
lolipoperzover 4 yearsFast! Very cool!😯
dominicanito617over 4 yearsCOOOOOOOL
augyover 4 yearsawsome also there is no way that cobrakids faster than usane bolt
legendgoldover 4 yearsI’m way faster than him I got a 6:34 on my mile run 🏃- leiker1414over 4 yearsThere is no way buddy sorry but I don't think so. Cause he is pretty fast. I probably won't be able to beat him and I got like your time. Dude Usain bolt is FAST.
- leiker1414over 4 yearsCause he is up in space there is no gravity in space.
- leiker1414over 4 yearsNo I highly doubt that. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
- roadmaster10985over 4 yearsHes probably 10 times faster
- roadmaster10985over 4 yearsHe could beat you in space and on earth in a rac5
catlover777over 4 yearsi highly highly highly doubt that buddy ol pal
