ABCNEWS.com : Moon, Mars Proposals Stir Excitement

“We had to do the moon first, but we’ve done it,” he said. “So the value of any permanent presence on the moon is not clear to me.”

Well, it’s clear to me. We have to learn how to live, long-term, in a vacuum. Right now, there’s a slow leak on the International Space Station that we can’t find to fix. A permanent moon base could include underground rooms that could be pressurized easily and safely that could serve as bolt holes in case of a catastrophic decompression. On the station, or on a months long voyage to Mars, there’s no bolt hole unless you get in an escape capsule… and if you’ve already traveled a few million miles, that capsule will have to be capable of returning you to Earth. So better we learn more about building long-term living environments in a location like the Moon, where a small amount of gravity and the ability to bolt to safety if necessary will make it easier to achieve the goal.

What’s more – we’re not done with the study of lunar geology – we weren’t done when Apollo 17 lifted off. What better laboratory for testing tools and procedures than the Moon, if we hope to do any useful geology on Mars? What if we get all the way to Mars and realize that we brought the wrong tool box? As far as I know, there’s no Home Despot there… yet.

In other words, first baby steps for humans, later one ginormous leap for humankind.

Does anyone want to start a lottery for seats to the Moonbase? And can we make sure that Tom Hanks and Andrew Chaikin get comp tickets? Let’s raise the funds, people. This is the future we’re talking about.

And while we’re at it, we have to get out of the damn war and start spending some money on math and science education.

And finally – Harrison Schmitt, time to ramp up your fitness routine; they might be calling you back to The Show.