Quiz on Mars Exploration

What was the main goal of the group of scientists and engineers who met in 2018?

• To explore the moon

• To build a space station

• To plan a human colony on Mars

• To study the sun

What year was the photo of Mars taken?

• 2018

• 2020

• 2021

• 2019

What is one advantage of sending robots to Mars instead of humans?

• Robots are more entertaining

• Robots are cheaper

• Robots can cook food

• Robots can build houses

What is one reason humans might not be able to distinguish Martian life from Earth life?

• Earth microbes might look like Martians

• Earth microbes might confuse the search

• Earth microbes might be invisible

• Earth microbes might be too big

What is a potential risk of humans landing on Mars?

• They might get lost

• They might contaminate Mars

• They might run out of fuel

• They might find aliens

What is one way to reduce the risk of contamination on Mars?

• Send more humans

• Send robots instead of humans

• Build a space station

• Use more fuel

What do most U.S. adults believe NASA should focus on, according to the Pew survey?

• Exploring the moon

• Fixing problems on Earth

• Building space hotels

• Finding aliens

What does the author believe we should do with the time before going to Mars?

• Use it carefully

• Ignore it

• Waste it

• Rush to Mars

Which statement BEST represents the author's main claim?

• Mars colonization is too expensive to attempt

• We should delay Mars colonization until we address key concerns on Earth.

• Robots are the only way to explore Mars safely

• Space exploration should focus on the Moon instead of Mars

What is the BEST main idea of the excerpt?

1. Sending humans to Mars is possible but requires significant technological advancements.  

• Sending humans to Mars is possible but requires significant technological advancements.  

• The possibility of Mars colonization raises concerns about contamination and high costs that suggest Earth’s need should take priority.

• Mars has a thin atmosphere, low gravity, and high radiation levels, making it a challenging place for humans to live.  

• Robotic missions have already been successful on Mars, proving that robots may be better suited for space exploration than humans.