Minerals (not just helium-3 or a stable platform outside the atmosphere for solar energy redirected to Earth as microwaves).

During our ambitious days, mining the other celestial bodies in our Solar System for resources (such as the Asteroids) was a common subject.

“And if we found anything of value there, how do we get it back to Earth?”

Spacecraft, of course.

Is this cost-effective, or otherwise practical? Now or years from now? These days, it seems not.

I remember that day still.

Those who say we should repeat it are probably too idealistic as well as unrealistic. Not with today's dysfunctional Washington and today's economic and political environment. (The composition of the crew, i.e., racial and sex quotas, would be paramount today, to name just one pathetic diversion from the task.) It is indeed 40 years past its prime. After we reached the moon, we the public yawned. We're no different now (other than rightfully more cynical and wary) and aren't in a position to resolve the issues that remain, such as unmanned-versus-manned (cost-effectiveness, primarily), permanent-low-earth-orbit versus farther excursions, the analogous devotion to time spend on the moon and exploiting it (mining its natural resources) versus farther excursions such as to Mars, and so on.

I will readily admit my biases; as a research chemist, I will 99% of the time support any kind of funding to support research advances in science in general and science education in particular. I know the arguments that exist against the space program, especially in these tough financial times, but surely another achievement such as the moon landing would do wonders for the human psyche. The whole race with the Russians galvanized Americans and turned once disinterested kids into budding scientists.

I listened to Buzz Aldrin on Morning Edition this morning and would recommend a listen to what he has to say now. He's coming out with a new book talking about his life after the celebration ended. He is also a strong proponent to venture off to Mars. On this, I certainly agree.