Debra J. Rahn
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                                              
December 6, 1991
(Phone:  202/453-8455)


RELEASE:  9l-200

NASA AND THE ITALIAN SPACE AGENCY SIGN SPACE STATION AGREEMENT


     The Italian Space Agency (ASI) will design and develop two 
Mini Pressurized Logistics Modules for the Space Station Freedom 
program under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with NASA 
today in Washington, D.C.  The MOU was signed by Richard H. Truly, 
NASA Administrator, and Prof. Luciano Guerriero, President, ASI, 
in the presence of Italian Undersecretary of State Senator Learco 
Saporito.  The two agencies also agreed in the MOU to work toward 
expanding the relationship to include provision of a Mini 
Laboratory as well.

     The Mini Pressurized Logistics Modules (MPLM) are pressurized 
logistics modules capable of transporting user payloads and 
resupply items in a pressurized environment to the Space Station 
Freedom and returning necessary items to the ground.  The MPLMs 
will be capable of remaining at the Space Station Freedom until 
the arrival of the next pressurized logistics module.  The first 
MPLM is currently scheduled to be transported to the Space Station 
Freedom by the Space Shuttle in May 1997 and the second in August 
1997.

     A final decision on proceeding with the design, development, 
operation and utilization of the Mini Laboratory (ML) will be made 
no later than February 1993.  The ML is a pressurized mini 
laboratory which will include a subsystem rack and provisions for 
accommodating a variety of research equipment.  In its initial 
usage, the ML will be dedicated to life sciences research.  At a 
minimum, the ML will be capable of accommodating a 2.5 meter 
tilting centrifuge and three international standard payload racks.  
The ML, if provided, would be scheduled for launch in October 
1999.

     In exchange for ASI's contributions, NASA will provide to ASI 
a percentage of its share of utilization of Space Station 
pressurized volume and accommodations for external payloads, a 
percentage of its Space Station utilization resources and the 
opportunity for ASI to provide Space Station crew.

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