[ExI] Back to the Moon or direct to Mars?

[BillK]

On Tue, 18 Mar 2025 at 09:20, Giulio Prisco via extropy-chat
<extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:
> My last article for Mindplex Magazine is a commentary on Donald
> Trump's recent statements about Mars. Should we go and plant the flag
> on Mars, skipping the return to the Moon? I think we should
> permanently return to the Moon first. But Mars could be more inspiring
> to the young.
> https://magazine.mindplex.ai/should-we-go-and-plant-the-flag-on-mars-skipping-the-return-to-the-moon/
> _______________________________________________


Support for the Moon First plan here -
<https://www.thespacereview.com/article/4954/1>
Quote:
Is the Moon in America’s future?
Unpacking the strategic debate
by Bhavya Lal    Monday, March 17, 2025

The choice isn’t between lunar presence and Mars development: both are
essential for America’s space future. A well-designed lunar program
can accelerate Mars settlement while establishing lasting commercial
presence and ensuring strategic control of cislunar space. For those
serious about establishing humanity on Mars, the Moon isn’t a detour:
it’s the expressway to successful Mars settlement.
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BillK