the way to Mars and further is thru the Moon (Score 1)

there are several technologies known and unknown that need to be developed and perfected before we go to Mars and farther out. Some can be tested in low earth orbit but several also require some micro gravity and resources which the Moon provides. Mars is at least a 9 month trip at best; if there are problems encountered then we pretty much right of the astronauts. the Moon gives us a chance to test the technologies, etc. if there is a failure, rescue is possible as the moon is only 3 days away.