Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Lunar Science Institute readies for Grand Opening April 11 at NASA Ames

The dedication ceremony for the NASA's Lunar Science Institute at NASA Ames Research Center will take place Friday, April 11.

The NASA Lunar Science Institute is modeled after the NASA Astrobiology Institute, also managed at Ames, and will features teams of scientists across the country collaborating in lunar science and future lunar exploration.

The dedication will take place at Building 17, located on South Akron Road at McCord Avenue, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field in California begining 2130 UT, the ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 2330.

Media invited will have access to NASA Ames Research Center Director S. Pete Worden, NASA Lunar Science Institute Interim Director David Morrison, and James Green, director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Also expected to attend are three members of the U.S. House: U.S. Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Michael Honda, (D-CA) Zoe Lofgren, (D-CA).

By late 2008, about 50 researchers around the U.S. could be working under NLSI's banner. By 2010, that number could double. Funds for this effort are part of the president's proposed 2008 NASA budget for the lunar science project within the planetary research program, now under consideration in Congress.

"We're delighted NASA Ames was chosen to lead this exciting new lunar science research office," said S. Pete Worden, Ames center director. "This will complement the agency's ongoing lunar research and further the implementation of the nation's exploration efforts."

http://lunarscience.arc.nasa.gov/

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