re: Next momentuous event
Going to the Moon was like a fish gulping air for the first time. It's a great first step, but not a sea change. The movement to land would be comparable to going somewhere in space to stay. I think you are right though that the Moon landing is more significant when viewed through the lense of the progression of life rather than as a science or technology event. Other accomplishments have altered our world view more or took as much effort cumulatively, but no other human accomplishment has such a long term potential impact on the expansion of Earth life.
Regards,
Mark