The Moon or Mars? Why Space Exploration Needs Both

The debate over prioritizing the Moon or Mars is gaining momentum, as global space agencies push beyond boundaries. As Earth's "eighth continent," the Moon offers opportunities in resource extraction and lunar bases besides serving as a launchpad for deep-space missions. On Mars, it could be an opportunity to search for life, examine planetary evolution, and prepare for human settlements. NASA's Artemis would focus on sustainable exploration of the Moon, while its Mars mission, Perseverance, would pave the way for the crewed missions to Mars. These were both crucial towards furthering human space exploration.

Source: NASA, European Space Agency, Brookings Institution