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Verbal Practice Test 4
Directions: For this question, select the best of the answer choices given.
Robot satellites relay important communications and identify weather patterns. Because the satellites can be repaired only in orbit, astronauts are needed to repair them. Without repairs, the satellites would eventually malfunction. Therefore, space flights carrying astronauts must continue.
Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the argument above?
The argument claims astronauts must continue because satellites need in-orbit repair. Option E most seriously weakens this by suggesting that technological obsolescence makes repair economically impractical compared to launching new, more advanced satellites. If the cost-benefit analysis favors replacement over repair, the necessity of manned repair missions disappears. Option A discusses satellite destruction but doesn't address the repair need. Options B and C are irrelevant to the repair argument. Option D mentions repair costs but doesn't suggest an alternative to manned missions.