Space & simple descriptions · News English
A very hot test for a space machine
Read about a model for a future trip to Venus.
Read the story, check the words, then answer the questions and speak.
A round model and a hot room
Was this a test on Venus?
1NASA shared a picture on 2 October. It shows a model for a space machine called DAVINCI. The model is round. It is about the size of a large exercise ball.
2DAVINCI will study Venus. Venus is very hot. The team needs a machine that can work in that heat. They put the model in a special room for a test. The room became very hot: 465 degrees Celsius.
3The test was from 28 August to 10 September 2026. NASA says the model passed the test. The picture shows the model before the test. It is not a picture from Venus. The future mission will help scientists learn more about that planet.
Original teaching summary. Language examples and models are illustrative, not news quotations.
Word help · Three useful words
Read the meanings and examples. Choose one word to use in your own sentence.
model
a version of something used to test or show it
This is a model of a house.
round
shaped like a circle or ball
The ball is round.
hot
at a high temperature
The water is hot.
Check your reading · Three questions
Choose one answer for every question, then check. You can change an answer and check again.
Useful English: is + a describing word
Use is for one thing, then a describing word: The model is round. The room is hot.
Describe one thing near you. Use is.
Model and help
Model: My cup is blue.
Alone: say it again without reading. Tutor: ask for one more example.
Speak: your ideas
Describe the model and the test room. Speak for 20 seconds.
Labelled model answer
The model is round. The test room is very hot.
This model is an illustrative learning example, not a news quotation.
Alone: repeat once. Tutor: What is round in your room?
Mastery check · Three questions
Choose one answer for every question, then check. You can change an answer and check again.
Sources and reporting date
NASA released this image article on 2 October 2026. The reported test ran from 28 August to 10 September 2026. Exact original release time is unavailable; freshness uses a documented conservative bound.
- NASA: DAVINCI probe can stand the heat, 2 October 2026
NASA released this image article on 2 October 2026. The reported test ran from 28 August to 10 September 2026. Exact original release time is unavailable; freshness uses a documented conservative bound.