Passage Imagine a 6-mile-wide solar power satellite orbiting 22,000 miles in space, with photo-sensitive panels that
can collect enough light from the Sun to power a large city. It may sound like science fiction, but a
government study group recently issued a report stating that space-based solar power is feasible--and
international scientists are already developing prototypes. The price tag is daunting, but nations that are
able to harness the potential of satellite solar power will enjoy tremendous benefits. This is one space race
the United States can't afford to lose.
Adapted from Baltimore Sun Editorial, "Solar Power from Space." ©2008 by The Baltimore Sun
Question
What does the author imply about the costs and benefits of a solar-power satellite?
o It will be expensive, but it will ultimately save much more money than it costs.
It will cost more money than it will save.
o It will not cost
much, and it will lead to huge cost savings almost immediately
o It will cost the most for the nations that build it first.