Complete the passage logically by filling in the blank with the phrase that best concludes the argument.
Answer:To combat the growing hazard of orbital debris in Low Earth Orbit, space safety regulators have proposed requiring all commercial satellite operators to install heavy, automated de-orbit propulsion modules that force satellites into the atmosphere at the end of their operational life. However, environmental analysts point out that manufacturing and launching these heavy modules significantly increases rocket fuel consumption and atmospheric pollutant emissions during launch. Given that existing lightweight maneuvering thrusters already enable operational satellites to prevent over 98 percent of potential debris collisions during their active lifespan, mandating the inclusion of dedicated de-orbit modules will likely fail to achieve its net environmental risk reduction goal, because 【the atmospheric pollution generated during launch exceeds the marginal reduction in orbital risk provided after decommissioning】.
Answer
the atmospheric pollution generated during launch exceeds the marginal reduction in orbital risk provided after decommissioning
The correct completion logically synthesizes the two conflicting factors presented in the stimulus: the high environmental penalty of launching heavy de-orbit modules and the minimal marginal benefit gained over existing lightweight thrusters. Since active thrusters already eliminate over 98% of collision risks, the added environmental harm from extra launch emissions outweighs the tiny remaining collision risk mitigated after decommissioning.
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Completing the Passage Logically
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