I was browsing through a magazine the other day and came across an advertisement for Space Adventures discussing plans for commercial flights to the moon. The company noted its success in bringing the first space tourist to the International Space Station (ISS) and the new goal of a moon mission. While the company is not talking about a moon landing (at least not yet), it is planning to circumnavigate our moon in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
In these current days of confusing messages from NASA and the White House, it is nice to learn of some firm lunar ambitions from any address in the United States. And while the website itself says very little about the specifics of this mission, one can assume only the very wealthy need apply. It's a start and hopefully the beginning of more such missions. While there are many commercial reasons to look beyond the earth, I believe the spirit of adventure may remain one of the greatest drives for now and potentially the only true vehicle for getting us into space (of course, pride also works as any Cold Warrior will tell you).
And should you prefer to stay a little closer to earth, the company is offering three seats for a 10 day trip to the ISS in 2013.