Passage A
The night sky has long been a shared human heritage, inspiring science, philosophy, and art. However, the rapid proliferation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations threatens to obscure this view forever. For astronomers, these satellites leave bright streaks across telescope images, ruining years of sensitive cosmic research. The loss is not merely professional; it is existential. By wrapping the planet in an artificial web of light, we are severing our connection to the cosmos. Proponents of these mega-constellations argue they are necessary for global connectivity, but they ignore the irreversible damage done to our environment. The night sky is an ecological wilderness that deserves protection just as much as our oceans or national parks. Once we fill our orbit with thousands of reflective orbital objects, the pristine darkness that guided humanity for millennia will be lost, replaced by a flashing grid of corporate infrastructure. We must halt further launches until international regulations can preserve the astronomical commons.
Passage B
Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury; it is a fundamental driver of economic mobility, education, and healthcare. Yet, billions of people in rural and remote regions remain cut off from the digital world because traditional ground-based infrastructure is too costly or geographically impossible to build. Low-Earth orbit satellite constellations offer a revolutionary solution, bridging the digital divide and democratizing access to information. While some astronomers argue that these satellites interfere with cosmic observations, satellite operators are actively working to reduce reflectivity and coordinate orbit pathways to minimize interference. The concerns of the scientific community, though valid, must be balanced against the immediate human benefit of lifting entire communities out of economic isolation. A dark sky is indeed beautiful, but the progress of global equity is far more urgent. Rather than halting progress, we must foster collaboration between technologists and researchers to ensure that connectivity does not come at the cost of discovery.
Which of the following statements best describes a key difference in how the authors of Passage A and Passage B view the development of low-Earth orbit satellite constellations?
- AThe author of Passage A advocates for a total, permanent ban on all satellite technology, while the author of Passage B believes that satellite operators should be allowed to launch constellations without any regulatory oversight.
- The author of Passage A views the satellite constellations as a commercial intrusion that threatens a shared natural resource, whereas the author of Passage B views them as an essential tool for achieving global social equity.Answer
- CThe author of Passage A focuses entirely on the monetary cost of launching satellite networks, whereas the author of Passage B emphasizes the aesthetic beauty of the night sky.
- DThe author of Passage A believes that astronomers should have sole ownership of low-Earth orbit, while the author of Passage B argues that satellite internet has already successfully eliminated the global digital divide.