Ross Douthat

Does it have to be underground?

Like, what does the moon base look like physically?

But so over those 10 years, just help me imagine it, it's something where there would be a continuous human presence.

Right.

in that world, but it's a few astronauts going back and forth constantly, or?

That will evolve, right?

What is lunar regolith?

The grit on the surface of the moon.

Does NASA have enough money?

Yes.

Yes.

Under current so that as with other areas of the federal budget, the Trump administration proposed cuts to NASA.

Congress is not doing those cuts.

Are you happy overall with the money that NASA has to spend?

But it does seem like in the optimal scenario where you are establishing a permanent government.

presence on the moon, you're going to need a larger budget.

And is it something where you feel like each technical success, the success of the Artemis mission, that success generates support for more spending?

Is that how you envision it?

It's not going to get us to Mars, though, right?

I'm not trying to push you into demanding more money.