> I still think launch is it, since even without spacesuits you can do robotic construction.

The plans for Artemis are public, and they don't include any robotic construction before a manned landing.

Neveemind that the idea of a moon base is fanciful, I think it's very unlikely to happen in anything resembling current world climate.

> plans for Artemis are public

They also change every time a Congressional staffer sneezes. If the space suits don’t work, a pivot would be easier than having the space suits with no rocket to put them on.