NASA Headquarters, Code YF, Washington, DC 20546 Attn:YF/Kevin Niewoehner

A -- ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ESSP MISSIONS POC Kevin Niewoehner tel: 202/358-0751 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has established the Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) Program within the Office of Mission to Planet Earth. This science-driven program is intended to identify and develop small satellite missions to accomplish scientific objectives in response to national and international research priorities that are not being addressed by current programs. ESSP will provide periodic ''windows of opportunity'' to accommodate new scientific priorities and infuse new scientific participation into the Mission to Planet Earth program. By launching ESSP missions on a frequent, regular basis, NASA will provide a mechanism by which pressing questions in Earth system science may be addressed in a timely fashion, permitting a continual improvement in our understanding of the Earth system and the processes that affect it. NASA intends to release the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for the inaugural ESSP missions on or about July 19, 1996. The AO will be available electronically via the Internet at the MTPE ''Home Page'': ''http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/mtpe/'' under the ''MTPE Research Announcements'' section or via anonymous ftp at: ''ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/mtpe''. A paper copy of the ESSP AO can be made available to those who do not have access to the Internet by calling (202)358-3552 and leaving a voice mail message. Please leave your full name and address, including zip code, and your telephone number, including area code. This solicitation is open to all categories of organizations including educational institutions, industry, nonprofit institutions, NASA Field Centers, and other governmental agencies, as well as foreign research institutions. (0183)

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