The Moon was once thought to hold the key to space exploration, as indicated by President John F. Kennedy's famous Space-Race-era proclamation of the United States' primary aim of &quot;landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely on Earth.&quot; In recent decades, the U.S. has largely turned its sights away from the Moon, looking instead at Mars and other celestial bodies. In<i>A New Moon</i>, lunar scientist Paul Spudis argues that the U.S. can and should return to the moon in order to remain a world leader in space utilization and development and a participant in and beneficiary of a new lunar economy.<br><br>Spudis explores three reasons for returning to the Moon: it is close, it is interesting, and it is useful. The proximity of the Moon not only allows for frequent launches, but also control of any machinery we place there. It is interesting because recorded deep on its surface, in its craters, is the preserved history of the moon, the sun, and indeed the entire galaxy. And finally, the moon is useful because it is rich with materials and energy. The moon, Spudis argues, is a logical base for further space exploration and even a possible future home for us all. Throughout his work, Spudis incorporates details about man's fascination with the moon and its place in our shared history. He also explores its religious, cultural, and scientific resonance and assesses its role in the future of spaceflight and our national security and prosperity.