Mars still has some useful properties when compared to Luna or asteroid. It mostly relates to having quite a low gravity, but still having a thin atmosphere. We

Mars still has some useful properties when compared to Luna or asteroid. It mostly relates to having quite a low gravity, but still having a thin atmosphere. We really don't have anything else suitable with these properties in reach (Earth has high gravity, Venus is effectively hell). The atmosphere is very thin, yet should be enough to get rid of most micrometeorites (a possible isue on lunar surface). Also thanks to the atmosphere, you can do various orbital maneuvers (aero-capture, aaero.breaking, aero assisted plane changes, etc.) that are not possible on a body without atmosphere. IT even makes some very specific aircraft designs work. Also with an atmosphere, you get less insane temperatures, you can mine it for CO2 for fuel and other uses. All in all, Mars is a frozen desert, but still a very useful frozen dessert providing many benefits in comparison to a barren rock floating in space.