Barbara Selby
  Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                   November 2, 1990
  (Phone:  703/557-5609)
  
  
  RELEASE:  90-148
  
  NASA, TADCORPS SIGN INFORMATION EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
  
  
  
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the 
  Technical and Administrative Services Corp. (TADCORPS), 
  Washington, D.C., have signed a memorandum of understanding which 
  will provide a forum for the exchange of research information 
  associated with closed environment systems related to food 
  production both on Earth and in space.
  
  
    NASA and TADCORPS have mutual interests in the development of 
  hydroponic technology for possible microgravity and partial 
  gravity life sciences support.  NASA is interested in exploring 
  controlled environment systems and hydroponics technology to 
  develop the food production systems necessary to sustain 
  crewmembers on long-duration space missions such as establishment 
  of lunar communities or an expedition to Mars.  The agency also 
  is interested in chemical processes associated with waste 
  recycling and management.
  
  
    TADCORPS is exploring development research concepts for test 
  facilities which could provide technology applications for 
  domestic farm crop enrichment in hostile environments in remote 
  regions of the world.
  
  
    The 2-year agreement, which involves no exchange of funds, 
  provides for NASA and TADCORPS to share information generated 
  from studies in three areas:
   
        * Potential development of hydroponic systems and
          agricultural experiments and uses aboard the Space
          Shuttle and Space Station Freedom;
   
        * Potential chemical processing technology in support of
          life support and hydroponic systems; and
   
  
                             - more -
  
                               - 2 -
  
        * Possible terrestrial applications of closed environment
          systems and hydroponic technology through fixed
          and deployable hydroponic test facilities.
  
  
    TADCORPS will provide a summary report to NASA prior to the 
  conclusion of the agreement.
  
                              - end -
  
  
  
  
    NASA news releases and other information are available 
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  Network for Information Exchange.  For information on CompuServe, 
  call 1-800/848-8199 and ask for representative 176.  For 
  information on GEnie, call 1-800/636-9636.