A new report from the National Research Council, A CONSTRAINED SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM: A REVIEW OF NASA'S EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, looks at the quality of technological research conducted at NASA and determines how well-aligned it is with President Bush's Vision for Space Exploration. Specifically, the report examines the degree to which technology development at NASA includes exploration beyond the Moon. The report also identifies gaps in the current research program and estimates the likelihood that needed technologies will be developed in time for the flight schedules outlined by the agency's Constellation Program.
Reporters may obtain copies by contacting the National Academies' Office of News and Public Information, tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu. Advance copies will be available to reporters only starting at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 20. THE REPORT IS EMBARGOED AND NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BEFORE 11 A.M. ON THURSDAY, AUG. 21.