So now we have a nice power plant in space, which can be used for any number of things. Space to ground power beaming can be tested. Closed loop life support systems can be tested.

But more importantly, the entire unit can be moved to lunar orbit. Power can be beamed to the surface of the Moon, the life support system used to provide a way station to the Moon, the ion thrusters used to test large ion thrusters (though solar thermal is better, at least close in)...

A good fast US response to China's effort to develop the Moon...

Only 2 more years of this manned Mars nonsense to go, then Bush is out, and Griffin goes as well. Scrap CLV then, keep the Ares 5 - for long range intercept, if not larger geosynch comsats - switch over to Falcon 5 -

Of course, by then enough data should be back from Mars to end the ravings of the manned Mars "enthusiasts", and bring an effective end to their political power - while impact studies will have firmed up awareness of the impact threat, and SW3 and Apophis will be coming along...

One can safely assume that the usual suspects have been working on their own plans for ISS, though they haven't announced them yet...

The future appears brighter, as our long national neocon nightmare comes to an end...