[binreadin]

In thirty years there will be weapons and surveillance programs developed that we can't even dream of now. At this point, it isn't valid to compare cost effectiveness. I'm not willing to leave the exploration of space to the Russians and Chinese.

[Pragmatist]

Right on. People should realize that our military is so powerful based largely on our space assets. The Chinese know this, and it is a reason for their sudden interest in space (helped by all the technology bubba and co. sold to them). We absolutely should see China's space program as a grave threat to this nation, and we should act to counterbalance it.

[samtheman]

Thirty years is a long time away. And the only way we stay on top year-after-year is by doing the right thing from a military standpoint each year. The moon has no credible military value for decades to come. Orbital weaponry is where its at. Even laser weapons on the surface of the moon are at a disadvantage to orbital lasers because of the distance/lightspeed factor. Especially considering that the moon is --- half the time --- on the wrong side of the earth (regardless of what the "right side" happens to be in any particular engagement). On the wrong side and very far away. Orbitals are where you want them, 100% of the time, 100% ready, and a mere hundred miles or so above the ground. Sure there's anti-orbital technology, just as there's anti-aircraft technology. But how many aircraft have been shot down in recent decades. Besides helicopters (which are particularly vulnerable) very very few.

The fact is, the only value of the moon is astronomy and tourism. Astronomy can be done by robots and tourism should be funded by private industry.

Want to go to the moon? Form a corporation dedicated to that purpose. Get investors. Do it your way. On your dime. In the long run, your corporation will get very very rich.

In the meantime, leave the taxpayers alone.