Final answer:
Possible reasons for sending humans on space missions instead of machines include flexibility and adaptability, the ability to conduct complex scientific experiments, and inspiring the public.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several possible reasons that the NASA group sent humans rather than machines on these missions:
- Flexibility and adaptability: Humans are able to make decisions and adapt to unexpected situations in real-time, which is crucial in space exploration where unforeseen challenges may arise.
- Scientific experiments: Humans are able to conduct more complex and nuanced scientific experiments compared to machines. They can also analyze and interpret data on the spot.
- Public interest and inspiration: Sending humans on missions generates a lot of public interest and inspires future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields.