In other words, real science can expect to suffer (as always) because it's important to maintain the illusion of a manned space program.
Wonder if I'm the only person that is completely "mehh" about man returning to the moon?
Really has no interest for me at all. I'd be 1000 times more interested in a robotic probe drilling the ice of Europa and entering the (presumed) ocean below it.
Been there, done that, back in the 20th Century. Manned space exploration should be left to third-world countries like China who feel a need to play catch-up.
America's armchair Captain Kirks need to face up to the fact that it's time to move on. If they want to keep playing, they should play with their own money.
Because, of course, we all know that no real science is required at all to put a permanent manned settlement on the surface of the moon.