NASA Set to Announce Final Major Ares I Contract

NASA will host a news conference Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m. EST to announce
the selection of a contractor for the upper stage instrument unit avionics for
the Ares I rocket. The avionics unit is the central system that provides
guidance, navigation and control for the launch vehicle during ascent as it
carries the Orion spacecraft to low Earth orbit.

The news conference will take place in the NASA Headquarters James E. Webb
Memorial Auditorium, 300 E St. S.W., Washington. It will air live on the Web
and on NASA Television with questions and answers from participating NASA
locations. Media should confirm availability with local NASA centers by 4
p.m.Monday, Dec. 10.

News conference participants:

-- Doug Cooke, deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems

-- Jeff Hanley, Constellation program manager

-- Steve Cook, Ares project manager

-- Danny Davis, Upper Stage Element manager

The instrument unit is part of the Ares I upper stage, which includes
propellant tanks and a separately procured upper stage engine. The first stage
will consist of a single reusable solid rocket booster and motor, similar to
those used on the space shuttle, with a fifth integrated motor segment.

For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For information about NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration

CONTACT: Melissa Mathews, +1-202-358-1272, melissa.mathews-1@nasa.gov, or
Stephanie Schierholz, +1-202-358-4997, stephanie.schierholz@nasa.gov, both of
NASA Headquarters, Washington

/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- Dec. 6/
SOURCE NASA