I'd rather see a permanent moon-base. It's a shitload closer so easier to resupply or evacuate them if there is a problem. It will help us learn what it takes to live on a hostile place long-term.

Then we could build the next ships on the moon, or in space. So the ship that flies to Mars doesn't have to escape Earths gravity. We could also use the Earths Gravity Well to slingshot the ship to Mars.

I agree, a moon base would make more sense, but I think there is a prestige in landing on Mars, kinda like the first moon landing. Also, I have the niggling feeling private enterprise is going to take care of moon bases soon.

Funny that we know more about space that we do about our own Oceans.

If we can live on the moon, we can live on earth!

I know how that sounds, but think about it.

If we had to 'get off the earth', because the climate changes too badly, or because of pollution, etc. The normal reasons they say we need to go live somewhere else... What will it take to live on the moon? A completely contained environment.

So why not just build a bigger one here? Cheaper!

We need to go to the moon to look for whales.