November 13, 2010: Using National Security To Push Future Lunar Missions?

The availability of rare raw materials, like neodymium, europium, and erbium, are necessary for national security, says the Congressional Research Service. And since all of these materials are currently imported into the US, where these materials will come from is a worrying question to some.

Space.com suggests looking on the moon. No, there hasn't been a significant amount of research indicating the presence of rare earth materials in the lunar soil, but it seems like any excuse to return to the moon will work at this point. After all, the moon is made of something . . . and whatever it is, chances are it'll be valuable to someone.

And since I'm not getting my flying car, at least I should be able to get a moon base.

-- Paul Chapman