After such a quantum leap was achieved by NASA - ie. a string of successful manned missions to the Lunar surface - it would have seemed logical to go to the next step and build a "Moon Base" - the advantages of such a project speak for themselves - think about the instalation of a high power telescope on the Lunar surface - a fantastically clear view of outer space - think about the benefits for space communications - no need to operate high power UHF/VHF communications - low power HF would have unhindered range with no atmospheric or ionospheric problems.

A staging base on the Moon could be utilised to prepare space craft for deep space exploration - removing the cumbersome protective shielding needed to traverse Earths atmosphere at escape velocity - storage facilities for the fuel to send vehicles far into outer space - a shuttle service could be run between the Moon and Earth, taking huge quantities of provisions and equipment to the "Moon Base" - teams of scientists could be assembling space vehicles for probes to any part of the Solar system or beyond without the inherent problems associated with Earth launches.

WHY NO MOON BASE?