“The Santa Barbara journal.” Exciting news today from Vandenberg Space Fore Base as it has ended its Delta IV Heavy rocket program to make way for the new Atlas V program. Riddled with difficulties, Delta IV Heavy saw only moderator success throughout its 21-year history. Developed on the heels of the last tragic Space Shuttle flight expectations for Delta IV Heavy far exceeded its reality. Future hopes now lie with the Atlas V program developed by the Lockheed Martin.
A social media post: “@ggh723 The space program is an outdated use of taxpayer funds. We have enough problems on earth to worry about what’s happening in the universe.”
Which of the following is a reasonable inference based on the information presented in the advertisement?
A.
The transition from Delta IV Heavy to Atlas V marks a significant change in space program strategy.
B.
The Delta IV Heavy rocket program faced numerous challenges during its 21-year history.
C.
Lockheed Martin is leading the development of the Atlas V program.
D.
The Delta IV Heavy program was more costly than anticipated.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer: B. The Delta IV Heavy rocket program faced numerous challenges during its 21-year history.
Explanation:
The information in the advertisement highlights several points about the Delta IV Heavy rocket program and its transition to the Atlas V program. The key details are:
- The Delta IV Heavy’s History: The Delta IV Heavy rocket program faced “difficulties” and saw only “moderate success” throughout its 21-year history. This suggests that the program encountered several challenges and did not achieve the level of success anticipated at its inception.
- Transition to Atlas V: The advertisement mentions the end of the Delta IV Heavy program and its replacement by the Atlas V program. It implies a strategic shift in the space program’s approach.
- Challenges and Expectations: The Delta IV Heavy program was developed following the last tragic Space Shuttle flight, indicating high expectations that were not fully met. This context supports the inference that the program faced significant hurdles.
- Lockheed Martin’s Role: The advertisement states that the future hopes are pinned on the Atlas V program developed by Lockheed Martin, which hints at a new direction in space exploration.
- Social Media Post: The social media comment reflects a viewpoint on the broader use of taxpayer funds for space programs but does not provide specific details about the Delta IV Heavy program itself.
Given these points, Option B is the most accurate inference based on the information provided. It directly addresses the challenges faced by the Delta IV Heavy program, aligning with the mention of difficulties and moderate success throughout its history. The other options, while relevant, either infer information not explicitly stated (such as the cost of the Delta IV Heavy program) or pertain to details not provided in the advertisement (such as the strategic shift or Lockheed Martin’s involvement).