PSAT Writing and Language Practice Question 633

Question: 633

Unmanned Space Exploration
We must ask ourselves as a society, what is it that we most value? 34 Do we seek out knowledge and wisdom or are we only concerned with chest-thumping and braggadocio? If the former, we should shift away from an obsession with manned space flight and invest resources in robotic exploration. 35 One should be focused on what will enable us to learn the most about our universe in the most cost-effective manner.
Most people would cite Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon as the most exciting moment in space exploration. Seeing a human walk on another heavenly body for the first time sends chills down your spine. 36 But why should it be this way? I would argue that the exploration of the Voyager unmanned spacecraft has given us far more momentous accomplishments. Among many discoveries, it, 37 found that Io a moon of Jupiter has volcanic activity—the first time another astronomical body was found to have this Earthlike characteristic. Voyager gave us evidence that the Great Red Spot of Jupiter was an enormous storm, that distant planets have rings, and 38 which undiscovered moons are had by many outer planets. It also left the solar system and is now on an interstellar mission. If we had insisted that humans be a part of the Voyager craft, it wouldn't have been able to accomplish nearly as much.
Sure, there 39 isn't a made-for-television moment like disembarking a spacecraft onto the Moon's surface for the first time. However, 40 isn't it time we realize that space exploration needs to be a top priority of our country, instead of merely being given lip service?
One possible justification for involving humans in the actual exploration is that 41 they do increase interest in funding space exploration projects. Humans are naturally drawn to want to explore space vicariously by seeing astronauts do it on television. It is much like how humans would rather hear about someone's trip to a foreign country 42 then to look merely at photographs of the country on the Internet. An interesting approach is the one taken by the new Mars One project. In an effort to spur interest in exploration and minimize costs, the project managers have recruited volunteers who will be the first 43 to go to Mars, and won't be able to return to Earth. If only we could be satisfied with acquiring knowledge instead of treating space exploration like some kind of competitive sport, 44 there would be no thought of people needing to die on a foreign world in order to promote interest in space.

Which choice is most consistent with the structure of the previous part of the sentence?

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