The moon offers the advantage of very little gravity. We also know that the moon contains a wealth of valuable raw materials. Add in some earth based soil, wate

The moon offers the advantage of very little gravity. We also know that the moon contains a wealth of valuable raw materials. Add in some earth based soil, water and plant life, and we have a valuable self-sustaining space outpost for cheaper missions elsewhere in the solar system. Furthermore, most of the moon operations would be automated to reduce the resources necessary to sustain human life till an abundant supply is established through some form of MRE factory.