<I disagree with Tom's statement about a lunar base being built first. NASA should explore the Moon for minable water, this doesn't require "a base" to be built.
Agreed on both points. When I'm talking "base," I'm talking something where humans can stay for short visits initially, supplied by Earth like the Space Station. Nothing exotic, no "self contained" life support at this point.
And it goes without saying that we need a VERY extensive robotic exploration of the surface, particularly near the poles. It is almost ludicrous that we have not put a nuclear rover on the Moon by now, which over the short distance between the Earth and the Moon, could easily provide live Webcam coverage of its voyages.
This is what Lunacorp is working on, and I wish them the best of luck.
Space/Science » in reply to Re: Moon and Mars
Re: Moon and Mars