Question

Compared to other NASA programs, the Discovery missions have:

A. been very disappointing.
B. had several highly publicized disasters.
C. made new discoveries for relatively little cost.
D. allowed astronauts to travel to more places in the solar system.

Answer 1

The Discovery missions, like Mars Pathfinder and Lunar Prospector, are valued for their cost-effective contributions to our understanding of the solar system, without being known for high-profile disasters or astronaut exploration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question is C, which states that the Discovery missions have made new discoveries for relatively little cost. The NASA Discovery program is known for its cost-effective and scientifically successful missions such as the Mars Pathfinder, the Lunar Prospector, and the Messenger probe to Mercury. These missions, unlike the larger flagship missions, operate with tighter budgets and often have more focused science objectives. They have contributed significantly to our understanding of the solar system without the high price tag of some of the larger, more complex missions. Furthermore, Discovery missions have not been known for the high-profile disasters or disappointments that might characterize other programs or allowed astronauts to travel more widely in the solar system, as astronaut flights are not within the scope of these robotic missions.