The Future of Space Travel May Not Lie with Humans

question 221

Multiple Choice

The future of space travel may not lie with humans, but with robots. At the dawn of the space age, space travel required human astronauts-they were simply more capable than robots. But humans developed technology that steadily made robots more attractive. Astronauts have to breathe, eat, and drink to keep going. But robots can travel to the ends of the solar system free of such constraints. They can do more, go further, and because they don't require costly life-support systems, they can do it all more often. Of course, they still require human direction. Nevertheless, we should all look for more robotic space travelers in the future.
Which of the following data support the author's argument about why robots make good space travelers?

• A)Thirty percent of all industrial robots contain some type of software glitch when first put online.
• B)A growing percentage of programmers are choosing robotics as a career path.
• C)The cost of producing robots continues to fall as their functionality rises.
• D)The first computer systems aboard the space shuttle were designed by NASA professionals.

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Definitions:

Sequential Function Chart

A graphical programming language used for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to describe the sequence of operations in an industrial process.

Function Block

Rectangular block with inputs entering from the left and outputs exiting on the right.

Structure Text

A high-level programming language used in PLC and other control systems, designed for complex algorithm implementation.