Nobody mentions just WHY we might want to stake a claim to the moon.

Helium-3 - look it up.

It could literally be the next generation power source to solve a LOT of problems. It's used in fusion research at the moment - and as we solve the problems with maintaining a fusion reaction, Helium-3 could end up being the next "Texas Tea" or "Black Gold".

I, for one, would feel a lot better if *we* had the launch, mining and return capabilities when fusion becomes more practical.