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"The Santa Barbara Journal": Exciting news today from Vandenberg Space Force Base as it has ended its Delta IV Heavy rocket program to make way for the new Atlas V program. Riddled with difficulties, Delta IV Heavy saw only moderate success throughout its 21-year history. Developed on the heels of the last tragic Space Shuttle flight, expectations for the Delta IV Heavy have far exceeded its reality. Future hopes now lie with the Atlas V program developed by Lockheed Martin.

A social media post: @ggh723 The space program is an outdated use of taxpayer funds. We have enough problems on earth to worry about what's happening in the universe.

Which theme is shared by the two passages above?

  • A. Space travel inspires people to explore beyond Earth.
  • B. Technical innovation may result in setbacks or failures.
  • C. Economics are significant in societal development.
  • D. The space program elicits diverse responses.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Both passages discuss different aspects of the space program and evoke varied reactions. The first passage highlights the transition from the Delta IV Heavy rocket program to the new Atlas V program, reflecting a shift in space exploration. The social media post expresses a critical view of the space program, emphasizing concerns about taxpayer funds. Therefore, the shared theme across both passages is that the space program evokes a range of responses from individuals, from excitement and hope to skepticism and criticism.