How about an "X" prize for first manned base on the moon

[bdewoody]

OK, NASA is passing up the opportunity to send the first manned missions back to the moon with the ultimate goal of building a base there. With the recent release of the information from last year's impactor and the esimated volume of water rising with each new press release why not grant an X prize and a contract to the first private venture to establish operations on the moon. Even if it is only for scientific research the results should bring an economic boom to those who are willing to take the risks.

BTW I looked at some of the user comments over in YAHOO news concerning the release of the data and boy do most people not have a clue when it comes to knowledge about our solar system and space in general.