Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. The news explicitly states this as the US's ambition for sustained human presence and power during long lunar nights. Statement 2 is incorrect. The news highlights that existing frameworks like the Outer Space Treaty offer only 'partial or non-binding coverage' and a 'legal vacuum' exists regarding safety standards and liability for nuclear power sources. Statement 3 is correct. The news states that 'Nuclear fission reactors, much more powerful than current radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), could power habitats, laboratories...'. RTGs are suitable for lower power needs over long durations, while fission reactors offer significantly higher power output.

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty explicitly prohibits placing nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in orbit around the Earth, on celestial bodies, or stationing them in outer space in any other manner. Statement 2 is correct. The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (Liability Convention) elaborates on Article VII of the Outer Space Treaty, establishing a framework for liability for damage caused by space objects. Statement 3 is incorrect. The news article explicitly states that the UN Principles on Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space offer 'non-binding coverage.' These principles are recommendations adopted by the UN General Assembly and are not a legally binding treaty.

Answer: B

The news states: 'Nuclear fission reactors, much more powerful than current radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), could power habitats, laboratories, and even enable faster deep-space travel.' This directly supports option B, highlighting the need for higher power for sustained human presence and activities. A) Fission reactors, while controllable, involve complex safety challenges and produce significant radioactive waste. RTGs use passive decay and are generally considered very robust, though they also contain radioactive material. This statement is incorrect. C) RTGs do not require sunlight; they generate power from radioactive decay. Solar panels require sunlight. This statement incorrectly attributes a characteristic of solar panels to RTGs. D) Both can have long operational lifespans, but the primary advantage highlighted for fission reactors in the context of future large-scale missions is their significantly higher power output, not necessarily a longer lifespan compared to RTGs which can operate for decades.

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. The news explicitly states this as the US's ambition for sustained human presence and power during long lunar nights. Statement 2 is incorrect. The news highlights that existing frameworks like the Outer Space Treaty offer only 'partial or non-binding coverage' and a 'legal vacuum' exists regarding safety standards and liability for nuclear power sources. Statement 3 is correct. The news states that 'Nuclear fission reactors, much more powerful than current radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), could power habitats, laboratories...'. RTGs are suitable for lower power needs over long durations, while fission reactors offer significantly higher power output.

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty explicitly prohibits placing nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in orbit around the Earth, on celestial bodies, or stationing them in outer space in any other manner. Statement 2 is correct. The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (Liability Convention) elaborates on Article VII of the Outer Space Treaty, establishing a framework for liability for damage caused by space objects. Statement 3 is incorrect. The news article explicitly states that the UN Principles on Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space offer 'non-binding coverage.' These principles are recommendations adopted by the UN General Assembly and are not a legally binding treaty.

Answer: B

The news states: 'Nuclear fission reactors, much more powerful than current radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), could power habitats, laboratories, and even enable faster deep-space travel.' This directly supports option B, highlighting the need for higher power for sustained human presence and activities. A) Fission reactors, while controllable, involve complex safety challenges and produce significant radioactive waste. RTGs use passive decay and are generally considered very robust, though they also contain radioactive material. This statement is incorrect. C) RTGs do not require sunlight; they generate power from radioactive decay. Solar panels require sunlight. This statement incorrectly attributes a characteristic of solar panels to RTGs. D) Both can have long operational lifespans, but the primary advantage highlighted for fission reactors in the context of future large-scale missions is their significantly higher power output, not necessarily a longer lifespan compared to RTGs which can operate for decades.