In such a venture, a man tended observatory would be a likely project, even if as an after-the-fact spin-off.

Also, the best place for such an observatory would be on Far-Side, and that won't happen without proper satellite AND backup land-based LOS commo, microwave or laser.

They say that getting there is half the fun, but being there is where the real work comes in.

Education won't get us there.

Corporate financing won't get us there.

The government won't get us there.

A years-long endeavor, supported by temporary leaders? I strongly doubt it. Space is not the project for a democracy, any more than ancient explorations across unknown seas were. What is required is an interested dynasty of leadership, one demanding results.

Barring this, CATS -- an new, powerful technologies,
Dan