I think we would have much better long term success, as well as technical innovation, if we were to send tunneling robots to the Moon first. Sending people there first and we are just reinventing the wheel.
The harsh environment of the Moon includes the vacuum, the cosmic and induced radiation on the surface, the extremes of heat and cold, and the extremely abrasive Lunar dust.
You can avoid most of it by making horizontal tunnels in the rock. The robots would need to be nuclear powered, and since they are on a one way trip, their Lunar lander could be cannibalized to turn the tunnels into habitations.
Part of the lander would be double pressure doors, reinforcing rod, panels that connect to form ceiling, walls and floors, all with electrical and heat panels and insulation built in. When the people finally show up, the tunnels should be built and tested for how they preserve air and heat.
This would mean not only could the people bring more supplies and equipment, but they could stay longer, and what is done is *cumulative*, so every trip to the Moon thereafter makes the tunnels larger, with more conveniences, until a stay on the Moon might last for six months.
A huge waste of money. Vote no on manned spaceflight until the Federal budget is balanced.
I wonder if Trump also gave them a suggested list of people he thought should go first ... 1. Pelosi, 2. Schumer 3 ...
Palestinian state! (space suits optional)