I mentioned speculation about this awhile back, but now it looks as if it's true, according to a New York Post "news" story that (surprise) reads like a GOP press release:

President Bush wants to send Americans back to the moon - and may leave a permanent presence there - in a bold new vision for space exploration, administration officials said yesterday.
The return to the moon would be for the purpose of technological advancements in technology, including energy exploration and testing a military rocket engine.

And a permanent presence likely will include robots and communication satellites.

But beyond the nuts and bolts, Bush's call for a to return to space would give Americans something new to hope for - amid a period of permanent anxiety about terrorism....

Bush could spell out his new plan for space travel on the 100-year anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight, Dec. 17, officials said....

This is just perfect on so many levels: Billions more dollars of our grandchildren's money frittered away on a grandiose scheme that does nothing for ordinary people's lives but represents a boy's fantasy of heroism -- plus Bush will probably get to have another photo op in a flight suit, or at least (as on Thansksgiving) some article of clothing that's olive drab and makes him look as if he's ever done a brave thing in his life.

Oh and

Sources said the president may also give the go-ahead to pursue a manned trip to Mars - a long range goal.

Nice to see the grown-ups are in charge.