Future of Space Exploration

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of the 100-Year Starship project?

• To build and launch a spaceship to Mars within the next 50 years

• To increase public enthusiasm and foster innovation for interstellar travel

• To colonize Mars and other planets within the solar system

• To develop a new propulsion system for faster space travel

According to the passage, Mae Jemison’s perspective on space exploration is that:

• Funding should focus only on Earth-based humanitarian efforts.

• Public enthusiasm is not necessary for progress.

• Space exploration requires inclusive public support and participation.

• Technology alone is enough to make interstellar travel possible.

Which claim made by Jemison suggests the reason humans are not currently on the moon?

• The lack of appropriate technology

• Insufficient interest and commitment from the public

• Failure of NASA's lunar missions

• Need for new types of propulsion systems

What does Jemison mean by “an inclusive journey” in the context of space exploration?

• Only engineers and scientists should be involved.

• The journey should include various perspectives, including those of artists and writers.

• Only space enthusiasts should be involved in the journey.

• Space exploration should be solely funded by government agencies.

Which of the following claims in the article is supported by Jemison’s reasoning?

• Space exploration detracts from humanitarian efforts on Earth.

• The 100-Year Starship project is solely focused on building a spaceship.

• Space exploration can lead to technological innovations that benefit Earth.

• Only scientists should work on interstellar travel projects.

Which claim in the passage is supported by Mae Jemison’s reasoning about the 100-Year Starship project?

• Technology is the main barrier to reaching another planetary system.

• Public interest and commitment are essential for space exploration progress.

• Engineers and scientists should be the only participants in space projects.

• Nuclear-powered rockets for interplanetary travelBuilding a spaceship within the next 100 years is unrealistic.

Jemison claims that pursuing a better future through space exploration will:

• Create financial challenges for the space industry.

• Hinder efforts to address Earth’s immediate needs.

• Lead to improvements in present-day life on Earth.

• Encourage competition among nations.

The passage implies that Voyager 1’s speed is insufficient for interstellar travel because:

• It would take 70,000 years to reach the nearest star.

• It has already run out of fuel.

• It can only travel within our solar system.

• It was not designed for long-duration missions.

Which of the following reasons does Jemison offer to counter objections about space exploration funding?

• It offers little to no benefit to society

• It promotes the development of innovative technologies that benefit Earth.

• It is more affordable than most people believe.

• It is funded entirely by private companies.

What does Steltzner suggest about the timeframes required for interstellar travel?

• They are too short for meaningful exploration.

• They require stability beyond what most societies have achieved.

• They are achievable within a single generation.

• They should be postponed until more stable governments are established.