〔This panel discussion took place in a classroom in the U.S. in April 1981 shortly after the successful mission
 of the U.S. space shuttle, the Columbia.
这场小组讨论会是一九八一年四月在美国的一个学校的教室内举行的，就在美国太空梭哥伦比亚号成功完成任务之后不久。
This mission marked the first time a spaceship had been sent out into space and then landed back on earth so
 that it could be used again later for more flights.
这次任务表示了太空船第一次被送入太空，然后降落回到地球，结果可以再做以后更多次飞行之用。
Many people considered this to be a tremendous advance for the space program.
很多人认为这是太空计划上一项重大的成就。
But some people felt that the cost was too high.
但是也有些人认为成本太高。
This discussion reveals some of the differences of opinion on the importance and the cost of the space program.
这场讨论会显示出对于太空计划的重要性及成本的一些不同意见。
The discussion is moderated by the classroom teacher and the students are simply referred to as A and B.〕
这场讨论会是由班级老师主持，而学生简单称为Ａ君和Ｂ君。
Moderator: Let me begin by saying that everyone is very excited about the successful mission of the space shuttle,
 the Columbia.
主持人：首先我要说的是，大家对这次太空梭哥伦比亚号任务的成功都很兴奋。
It is the first time that a spacecraft has been successfully landed back on earth after a space voyage, and this
 means that this spaceship can be used again on other missions.
这是第一次太空船在太空航行后而又成功地再降落地球。这意谓着这个太空船又可以做其他的任务之用。
Obviously, there will be a tremendous saving because we won't have to send up a completely new spacecraft on
 every mission.
显然地，这将省下巨大的金钱，因为我们不必每次进行任务都发射一个全新的太空船。
Also, we will be able to bring cargo safely back from space in the future -- and this offers exciting possibilities
 from the scientists' point of view.
同时，我们将来可以从太空把货物安全地带回来 -- 从科学家的观点来看，这提供了一些令人振奋的展望。
However, there are differences of opinion about the space program.
然而，对于太空计划，各有不同的意见。
Many people feel that it costs too much.
很多人认为它花费太大。
Today we are going to hear two different points of view on the space program.
今天我们要听听对于太空计划的两个不同的观点。
First, let's hear from someone who is strongly in favor of the space program and who doesn't believe that it
 costs too much.
首先我们听听那些强烈赞成太空计划，而不认为它花费太大者的意见。
And then we'll hear the other side.
然后再听另一边的意见。

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