If we are to expand the exploration of our solar system our next manned flight should be to Phobos, one of Mars's moons, rather than to Mars itself. The flight times to each are the same but the Phobos expedition would require less than half the fuel load of a Mars expedition and would, therefore, be much less costly. So, it is clear that Phobos should be our next step in space exploration.

Which one of the following, if true, would most help to explain the difference in fuel requirement?

Correct answer marked below

More equipment would be required to explore Phobos than to explore Mars.

Smaller spaceships require less fuel than larger spaceships.

Information learned during the trip to Phobos can be used during a subsequent trip to Mars.

The shortest distance between Phobos and Mars is less than half the shortest distance between Earth and Mars.

Lift-off for the return trip from Phobos requires much less fuel than that from Mars because of Phobos weaker gravitational pull.

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What this question tests

Whether you can explain an apparent contradiction in a way that makes both facts true.

Picking an option that explains one side of the paradox while making the other side false.