[Elsie]

Since the Moon exists in a much lower gravity well than the Earth, there would be value in establishing a base in order to launch future expeditions to Mars or such from there.

WHAT??!!??

What are you going to 'launch'?

Just WHERE does the fuel come from to 'launch'??

Just WHERE is the craft built that is going to be 'launched'???

[Elsie]

Launch from Moon.

PFFT!

Sounds like a ZERO emissions vehicle scam to me!

Just moves it to a powerplant somewhere!

[rednesss]

Google is your friend.

https://sservi.nasa.gov/articles/nasa-looking-to-mine-water-on-the-moon-and-mars/

Again, you use the moon as a stepping stone or refueling station. It takes a lot of propellant to get anything into orbit around earth. If hydrogen and oxygen were being mined on the moon, then you could send a spacecraft there with an empty fuel tank, fill it up, and since you are now in a much lower gravity well, commence your trip to Mars or anywhere else with tons of fuel onboard to get you there and provide power etc...