The Augustine panel, a collection of space experts summoned by President Obama to study the future of NASA, published its final report today. Totaling 157 pages, the report concludes that the United States’ current space plans are underfunded by at least $3 billion a year. The report also makes the controversial assertions that commercial companies like Space X should play a role in the future of manned space exploration, and that the Ares I rocket should be scrapped in favor of the heavier Ares V Lite for trips to the moon. But the panel isn’t exactly enamored with any future manned trip to the moon.

“A long-duration exploration of the Moon is a step towards Mars, but not a giant step, and not the only possible step,” the panel said.

Today, Wired published an article entitled “Human Spaceflight Ball in Obama’s Court.” In an email written to Wired, White House spokesman Nick Shapiro writes, “The President has on numerous occasions confirmed his commitment to human space exploration, and the goal of ensuring that the nation is on a vigorous and sustainable path to achieving our boldest aspirations in space.”

Obama hasn’t put his stamp on the space program yet, besides commissioning the panel in the first place. We’ll know before long how he chooses to proceed with its pricey recommendations.

[image via Wired]