technologies in addressing the challenges of sustaining life on another celestial body, lessons which are necessary and applicable as we explore further into our solar system, to Mars and beyond. (6) A sustained human presence on the Moon would once again inspire and engage public interest in our space program, motivating young people to excel in the vital subjects of math and science, subjects in which American students lag behind our international competitors. (7) A sustained human presence on the Moon would challenge American industry to continue to develop technologies that not only enhance our exploration programs but can be applied across all disciplines of science. (8) The commercial applications of space technologies have had tens of billions of dollars in economic impact, including products from semiconductors and aircraft controls to scratch-resistant lenses and water purification systems. (9) There is growing commercial interest among United States companies in developing systems, like landers, habitats and surveying technology, as part of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration-led return to the Moon. (10) The healthcare technologies derived from our space program, such as the portable x-ray machine, the MRI, advanced life-saving diagnostics, and the implantable heart aid, have saved and improved countless lives. (11) Space is the world’s ultimate high ground, and returning to the Moon and reinvigorating our human space flight program is a matter of national security. (12) Technologies developed and sustained by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s human space flight program, such as liquid and solid rocket propulsion, environmental and life support systems, and communications, navigation, and control systems are important to our military. (13) China and Russia, understanding the economic and strategic importance of human space flight, have declared their intentions of colonizing the Moon and are advancing their lunar exploration plans. (14) It is strategically important that