Going to the moon is economically viable. It simply isn't economically viable BY ITSELF. If manned exploration of space is to continue, then the moon is the best place to launch from. Gravity is 1/8 of Earth's, so the amount of thrust necessary for launch is smaller. There is some gravity, which makes logistics more simple. It's a solid base making construction and maintenance easier than with a satellite, like the ISS. It has the potential to produce many, if not all of the raw materials needed in order to construct the necessary craft.
Getting back there just makes too much sense NOT to go.
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