NASA Seeks Proposals for Lunar Science Research

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif., June 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA is looking for
the right stuff to further scientific knowledge about the moon.

NASA's Science Mission Directorate, in cooperation with the agency's
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, recently issued a Cooperative
Agreement Notice seeking research projects for the NASA Lunar Science
Institute. The institute is located at NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett
Field, Calif. Under the terms of the Cooperative Agreement Notice, proposals
must include an innovative, interdisciplinary lunar research program that
aligns with the institute's goals and objectives.

Proposals may address science of the moon, on the moon and from the moon,
including objectives that meet NASA's future lunar exploration needs. NASA
expects to make $8 million to $10 million available for the research, and
anticipates making five to seven awards, including one focused on exploration
objectives.

Participation is open to all categories of organizations, both domestic and
foreign, including industry, educational institutions, non-profit
organizations, and federally funded research and development centers. NASA
field centers and other government agencies also are eligible to submit
proposals.

"The institute will support team science, bringing a multidisciplinary
approach to lunar research," said David Morrison, interim director of the
institute. "Our goals are to strengthen the community of lunar scientists and
encourage students to enter this field."

The NASA Lunar Science Institute is modeled after the NASA Astrobiology
Institute, with teams across the nation working together to help lead the
agency's lunar research activities. Selected teams also will include programs
in education and public outreach to strengthen public understanding of
science.

Notices of intent are due June 27, 2008. Proposals are due Aug. 29, 2008. The
Cooperative Agreement Notice is available on the Web. To read the notice,
visit:

http://nspires.nasaprs.com

Select "Open Solicitations," then select "NNHo8ZDA008C," to read the full text
of the notice.

For more information about the NASA Lunar Science Institute, visit:

http://lunarscience.arc.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

Dwayne Brown of NASA Headquarters, Washington, +1-202-358-1726,
dwayne.c.brown@nasa.gov; or Michael Mewhinney of NASA Ames Research Center,
Moffett Field, Calif., +1-650-604-3937, michael.s.mewhinney@nasa.gov