The low gravity reduces fuel needed for takeoff. Lunar regolith could be used for construction. He-3 and water ice offer fuel and life support. Orbital mechanics make the Moon an ideal staging area. Infrastructure for docking, fuel depots, and habitats is being studied. Spaceports could accelerate deep-space exploration. International interest is growing.
It matters because it could redefine human exploration logistics.
It also impacts economics, technology, and collaboration in space industries.
A lunar launch requires about a third of the energy of an Earth launch.
NASA [nasa.gov]