So, desolate it may be, but the Moon’s surface exploration should really be a top scientific priority. These robotic missions would pave the way for a crewed lunar surface return by 2028. One such multi-year effort would use a robotic rover to make measurements on the lunar surface and collect samples. There, a second crew would again land on the lunar surface and use these crew-rated rovers to continue their exploration. There’s also another reason to do lunar surface exploration --- the distinct possibility of looking for and finding alien artifacts, left there by some visiting extraterrestrial civilization.

Source: Forbes February 17, 2019 12:33 UTC