Reply #2: I hate to disagree

[zipplewrath]

I understand Aldrin's point,but I think it is based upon a false premise. The purpose of going to the moon is to establish the basic infrastructure to go to Mars. Fuel storage mostly I suspect. But also potentially a position from which to "assemble" the vehicle to travel to mars. You probably don't want to do that in low earth orbit. Departure from the Moon would be much easier, but still give you SOME gravity with which to work. Some have suggested it be used to "rehearse" for Mars landings, but I suspect the lack of an atmosphere would limit that utility.