1. Two Parallel Paths Public-private Govt - International
What I am proposing is that strategies be devised for each destination (to the moon and Mars) which are sufficiently low cost such that we can pursue both destinations simultaneously.

2. For lunar development, I propose an approach very similar to the current public-private programs. That is, 5% of NASA’s budget and over the same time frame as the current public-private programs with the addition of robotic Lunar Surface Operations.

3. For Mars, I propose taking early, real but lower-cost initial steps specifically, a flyby mission then a Phobos-Deimos (PhD) mission prior to Mars surface missions.
Approaches should be considered to reduce the cost of Mars missions including the use of commercial launches to LEO followed by clustered ion propulsion to an EML2 staging point. Using partially reusable Falcon Heavies to LEO followed by clustered ion propulsion, 300 tonnes/year for 10 years to EML2 would cost approximately $2.4 billion. But lunar-derived propellant would still be needed for lunar access which is a legitimate goal in its own right.
To ensure that the PhD mission is followed by a Mars surface mission, I propose that, during the PhD mission, the crew operate telerobots to assemble an inflatable habitat on Mars.

4. The key piece of hardware for lunar development is the reusable cryogenic lunar lander. Dave Masten has stated that his company could develop a “terrestrial demonstrator” which would be a Centaur stage with four of their propulsion modules attached. ULA has lent him two of their Centaurs. A full-sized lander undergoing all of the propulsive maneuvers for landing on the moon could make a compelling case for continuing the Lunar COTS programs.

5. Here is an illustration of the components which could be delivered on the first one-way mission to the moon. It would have all the components necessary to initiate a basic cis-lunar transportation system and bootstrap later deliveries.

6. 36 meters
A singular large “UniHab” could be developed and delivered in a single payload delivery to a location at a “Peak of Eternal Light”. It would be large enough to house a crew of eight.

7. The UniHab would be landed, laid out on a prepared, flat area, deflated, telerobots cover it with regolith, the UniHab would then be reinflated to about 1 atm, vertical supports would lock into place, and then the telerobots would push regolith against the sides. Telerobots could bring in pieces of equipment, and set up the habitat’s functions as much as possible before the crew arrives. This same approach could be used on Mars.
With regolith shielding and the crew using an indoor centrifuge during sedentary times, the initial crew could spend a long period of time on the moon thereby reducing the cost of crew rotations.

8. Taxpayer dollars would be used for the “Lunar COTS” funding so the base and operations would be by American companies. But the initial crew could originate from many countries yet have become American by naturalization. The initial crew could quickly set up a neighboring International Lunar Research Facility for use by international astronauts.

9. The initial crew would have the variety of primary jobs needed for the permanent base to become increasingly Earth independent. Before the initial mission, young people from around the world could be inspired to learn the skills necessary for these jobs. Training by teams would inspire the public and their representatives of the significance of the program. 9

10. We have the choice of which form of government will be responsible for establishing the first permanent off-Earth settlement.

11. One objective of the initial permanent base would be to determine the gravity prescription for healthy gestation, childhood, and adulthood. Experiments using identical twin animals could be conducted to determine the gravity level and hours-per-day needed for adequate health.

12. There would be an ongoing number of firsts to keep the public engaged
There would be an ongoing number of firsts to keep the public engaged. This generation’s Apollo. The first woman on the moon. The first couple / kiss. The first dog. The first fruit. The first metallic part. The first Nylon, Kevlar, etc.

13. The people of Earth would follow the progress and lives of the crew including: celebrations, talent demonstrations, dancing in 1/6th gravity, etc.

14. And ultimately, after the gravity prescription is discovered, animal babies and eventually human babies would be born and humanity would then have a second home.