Scientists suspect that Europa, a moon orbiting Jupiter, may contain

Scientists suspect that Europa, a moon orbiting Jupiter, may contain living organisms. However, the government recently scrapped an unmanned science mission to Europa and replaced it with a project aimed at landing an astronaut on Mars. Polls show that the public is far more fascinated by space travel than by discovering life elsewhere in the universe. Critics argue that the government's decision-making process places a greater emphasis on popularity than it does on the importance of scientific research.

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen a contention by the government that the new project is a better use of its funds?

(A) In the first year of the project, the government will spend 30% of its total budget on developing a space shuttle that can travel to Mars; that figure is expected to drop to 0% after five years.
(B) The government cannot be absolutely certain of the chances for success of either project.
(C) Some scientists are convinced that a mission to Europa would add immeasurably to our understanding of the universe.
(D) A new telescope that has just become available to scientists promises to yield more information than the planned mission to Europa was designed to provide.
(E) Most people feel that a shuttle to Mars is the next logical step in the development of a system that will allow humans to travel even further in the solar system.