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National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas 77058 AC 713 483-5111

Rh Kari Fluegel Release No. 90-018

A Lunar and Mars Exploration Program Office has been established by Johnson Space Center Director Aaron Cohen to begin preliminary technical definition and integration for the agency's exploration initiative.

The office will be headed by Mark K. Craig, manager of the exploration office formerly housed within the New Initiatives Office. Craig will report to Arnold Aldrich, associate administrator for the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology.

"The program office is responsible for defining how an outpost on the Moon and manned missions to Mars will be undertaken, both technically and programmatically," Craig said.

"Our job will be to create workable programs which meet the objectives established by NASA Headquarters and the National Space Council. We'll work closely with NASA centers around the country, integrating the various study results into a comprehensive program," Craig said.

The office will be composed of an existing 22 JSC civil service positions plus about 50 contractors and civil servants from other NASA centers and NASA Headquarters.

Deputy manager of the program office is Douglas R. Cooke, currently deputy manager of the exploration office in the New Initiatives Office.