For Release: June 4, 1996

Kathryn Cataldo
Office of Media Services
(505) 524-0331 (Temporary number in New Mexico)

NOTE TO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: 96-45N

LIVE INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE FOLLOWING TEST FLIGHT OF FUTURISTIC NASA ROCKET IN NEW MEXICO DESERT FRIDAY

The line between science and fiction is melting in the heat of the New Mexico desert as NASA and industry cooperate to test technological innovations that could one day make space flight as routine as sci-fi’s Buck Rogers experienced.

Friday, a futuristic rocket that takes-off and lands vertically will make its second test flight at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The DC-XA, for Delta Clipper Experimental Advanced, is evaluating new technology components needed to develop of a single-stage, reusable launch vehicle that could reduce the cost of getting to space 10-fold.

Following Friday’s test, NASA is offering live and taped interviews via satellite with program managers at the launch site who can talk about this unique vehicle and how it is helping NASA and industry develop an affordable, reliable and reusable rocket that could eventually make space travel available to the masses.

Interviews are available June 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. MDT, and from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. MDT on Ku-band, SBS 6, Transponder 12, vertical polarity, at 74 degrees west longitude. The transponder frequency is 11994.5 Mhz and audio subcarrier is 6.2 and 6.8 Mhz. B-roll of the rocket’s preparations and flight will be available to accompany the interviews.

To schedule an interview, or for more information, please contact Kathryn Cataldo or Connie James at the Las Cruces La Quinta (505) 524-0331. Cataldo may also be reachable via cellular telephone by dialing (505) 644-7626 and at the tone entering (205) 651-5006.