Question

There are Congressmen who say that the development of a space-based missile defense system will provide economic benefits only to military contractors. This claim is not true. A space-based missile defense system, even if it has no current applications for civilian businesses, will still benefit civilian businesses because those businesses will be able to find profitable uses for the government-developed technology in the future. Which of the following, if true, provides the most support for the argument that a space-based missile defense system could provide future economic benefits for civilian businesses?

• A. Several new materials developed for the Apollo space program were later adapted to provide basic components of the modern computer and electronics industries.
• B. The missile defense system in question will not require the development of any new technologies.
• C. Space-based missile defense programs may be the only way to defend civilian populations against preemptive nuclear attacks.
• D. Space-based missile defense programs, although more expensive than traditional land-based systems, are theoretically more effective than traditional land-based systems.
• E. The scientists employed on the project could make extraordinary advances in the capabilities of intercontinental ballistic missiles used by the army.

Hint:

When evaluating an argument, look for past examples where similar technology has benefited the civilian sector to strengthen the claim.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the argument.
The argument suggests that the development of a space-based missile defense system could have long-term economic benefits for civilian businesses. To support this claim, we need evidence that similar technologies have led to profitable civilian applications in the past.
Step 2: Analyze the answer choices.
- (A) This option directly supports the argument by showing that technologies developed for space programs have been successfully adapted for civilian use.
- (B) This option does not address the potential long-term benefits for civilian businesses.
- (C) This option talks about defense, but it does not address the potential for civilian economic benefits.
- (D) This option compares effectiveness, but it does not support the argument about civilian economic benefits.
- (E) This option discusses military applications but does not relate to civilian economic benefits.
Conclusion:
Option (A) is the best choice because it directly supports the idea that technologies developed for space-based systems can benefit civilian businesses.