I think a Moon base is not necessary to get to Mars, but I think it will be helpful. It would give you a chance to develop and mature some systems; long duration, deep space stuff; and you're close enough to get some help, via radio from Earth.

Charles Duke

Base Chance Close Deep Develop Duration Earth Enough Get Give Help Helpful I Think Long Mars Mature Moon Necessary Radio Some Space Stuff Systems Think Via Will Would You

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You wouldn't want to land on the Moon and launch to Mars. That would be very inefficient.

— Charles Duke

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Buzz Aldrin doesn't think we need to go back to the Moon - that we should go straight on to Mars. I'm more on the side that says we should go back to the Moon. I think there's a lot we can utilise the Moon for scientifically.

— Charles Duke

If you're going to go into space, you have to have an objective, a mission. Where do you want to go? Earth orbit? The moon? Mars? What's the technology to get there? You develop the technology for the mission.

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But I don't think we'll go there until we go back to the moon and develop a technology base for living and working and transporting ourselves through space.

— Jack Schmitt

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I think seeing some of the past can be helpful, especially if you're into crime solving.

— Yancy Butler

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