Question

clearing out junk in space
1
\dont forget to take out the garbage!\ many teenagers hear this familiar parental reminder on a daily or weekly basis, depending on where they live. disposing of common household trash is a fairly simple task. but on spacecraft, astronauts must use a more sophisticated method for clearing out junk.
2
during u.s. space shuttle missions from 1981 to 2011, astronauts had to perform many tasks, including cleaning windows, doing dishes, and taking out the trash. once they filled their allotted waste bins, crews moved the garbage to an area separate from their living quarters. there, the trash remained until the shuttle returned to earth. to eliminate odors from decaying refuse, astronauts used a special vacuum to vent foul smells into space.
3
today, the international space station (iss) uses a different process for trash disposal. since astronauts reside there for up to six months at a time, a large quantity of garbage accumulates. astronauts need to avoid a stockpile because some waste can grow microbes that pose health risks. to remove trash, a garbage truck of sorts visits the spacecraft periodically. this unmanned spaceship arrives with food, equipment, and other supplies. then, it is launched back to earth carrying hazardous waste like used batteries and medical supplies, as well as harmless trash—discarded food tubes and dirty clothes. upon reaching earths atmosphere, the cargo and craft incinerate. using expendable vehicles keeps manned crews safe by limiting their exposure to noxious substances, including chemical and radioactive waste.
4
one of the biggest problems with garbage in space is not the garbage
in paragraph 8, what does the comparison \like in a giant garbage bag\ help readers understand?

1. how the space mitt uses magnets
2. how the space mitt gathers waste
3. how the mitt is connected to a satellite
4. how waste trapped in the mitt burns up

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the comparison "like in a giant garbage bag". A garbage bag is used to gather and hold waste. Option 1 is about magnets (not related to a garbage bag's function). Option 3 is about connection to a satellite (unrelated to a garbage bag). Option 4 is about burning waste (a garbage bag doesn't relate to burning). Option 2 is about gathering waste, which matches the purpose of a garbage bag (collecting waste).

Answer:

1. how the space mitt gathers waste