Re:NASA Wanted to get somewhere (Score 1)

Actually, the Moon and Mars could be substantial sources of income for the companies that have the vision to take action. We already know that the moon has large amounts of minerals in the lunar regolith that could be processed into various usable forms, also, there is of course the possibiltiy of potable water to be exploited. (I reccomend Heinlein's "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" or Allen Steele's "Orbital Decay" and "Lunar Descent" as examples of state or corporate exploitation of the Lunar resources. As to the issue of Mars, we once again have the water issue. (If you don't think water will be important in the coming century, look at how much sh*t we're dumping into the oceans, lakes, and streams daily. Then think about how long it will take before even industrial filter systems begin to fail.) We also have the fact that both the Moon and Mars could serve as excellent "jump-off" points for further in-system exploration, asteroid mining, or even space construction. Plus, we have the potential of opening Lunar, Martian, or L5 habitats, for long or short term habitation. (Short Term=hotel style. And if you don't think people will pay...) Plus, there have been several theories on the production of better and cheaper Pharmaceuticals, Electronic Components, and even steel in Low to Null gravity. There's money to be made for those who wish to take the risk.