Saying that "a human landing followed by an extended human presence on Mars stands prominently above all other opportunities for exploration," an independent panel created by the White House has suggested that NASA adjust its goals to focus on the Red Planet.

The panel's report is posted here. Chaired by Norman Augustine, the retired CEO of Lockheed Martin, the panel says that a trip to one of Mars' moons or to an asteroid is advisable because:

 

We would learn how to live and work in space, to visit small bodies, and to work with robotic probes on the planetary surface. It would provide the public and other stakeholders with a series of interesting "firsts" to keep them engaged and supportive. Most important, because the path is flexible, it would allow for many different options as exploration progresses, including a return to the Moon's surface or a continuation directly to the surface of Mars.

The panel also says that:

Mars is unquestionably the most scientifically interesting destination in the inner solar system, with a planetary history much like Earth's. It possesses resources that can be used for life support and propellants. If humans are ever to live for long periods on another planetary surface, it is likely to be on Mars.

Overall, it concludes that:

The U.S. human spaceflight program appears to be on an unsustainable trajectory. It is perpetuating the perilous practice of pursuing goals that do not match allocated resources.

The Associated Press is on the story as well. And NPR's Nell Greenfieldboyce will have more on today's edition of All Things Considered. Click here to find an NPR station near you.