Mark Hess
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                                                           
September 13, 1991
(Phone:  202/453-4164)


RELEASE:    91-148

NEW OFFICE OF SPACE FLIGHT DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCED

  NASA Administrator Richard H. Truly today announced plans 
to create a new Office of Space Flight Development.  The new 
development organization will have responsibility for Space 
Station Freedom development; large propulsion systems 
development, including the new national launch system and its 
new space transportation main engine; other large space flight 
developments; and the advanced transportation systems program 
planning function.

  "As a result of this organizational change, NASA's existing 
Office of Space Flight will be able to devote undivided 
attention to the safety and efficiency of Space Flight 
Operation," Truly said.  The Office will retain responsibility 
for the Space Shuttle program, Space Station Freedom/Spacelab 
operations and utilization, expendable launch vehicle 
operations and upper stages.  This office also will be charged 
with the responsibility to establish operational requirements 
for new capability development projects undertaken by the new 
Office of Space Flight Development.  Institutional reporting 
of NASA Field Centers will remain unchanged.

  Detailed definition of the new development organization and 
appointment of the Associate Administrator will be completed 
in the coming weeks.

  The decision to create the new office was shared with 
former Chairman Norman Augustine and the individuals who 
served on the Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S. 
Space Program, gathered at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

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