To the moon

Washington, D.C.

President Bush wants to send astronauts back to the moon after a 30-year absence, several publications reported last week. The mission could be part of an ambitious new plan for the space program that Bush is scheduled to unveil this month. Supporters said a new lunar program, possibly including a base on the moon, could spur technological advances and even serve as a stepping stone toward a manned mission to Mars. White House spokesman Scott McClellan called the reports “speculation,” and said Bush had made no decision on returning to the moon. Physicist Robert Park said the mission would be a waste of time and money. “Been there, done that,” he said.

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