The Moon is the gateway to the rest of the Universe. Sort of like the Erie Canal was the gateway to the West.
A moonbase could be cheaply done ... the moon has water ... a base there is far less problematic than the ISS ,, resupply is easier with heavy lift rockets... (look up “260 inch motor”) .. sure we visited and planted a flag but we need a permanent presence ... starting an exploration from the moon is far more feasible than from the Earths surface..