NASA's Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program -- currently in the process of developing technologies for the next generation of space launch vehicles -- will hold a two-day Technology Expo for invited industry, government agency and military representatives Feb. 25-26 at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

Researchers and design engineers from five NASA centers will showcase and discuss each center's capabilities and roles in developing some of the cutting-edge systems and components to be used in future advanced space transportation systems, and some of those being used in the ongoing X-33 and X-34 programs. The exposition provides industry designers and technologists a chance to see ongoing NASA activities and available resources and capabilities that will aid future transportation technology efforts.

NASA centers scheduled to participate in the Tech Expo are: Ames Research Center, Mountain View, Calif.; Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.; Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.; Lewis Research Center, Cleveland; and Marshall Space Flight Center.

Technologies to be discussed include advanced metallic thermal protection systems, vehicle systems analysis, structures and materials, hypersonic airbreathing propulsion, structures and materials, advanced information technologies, low-cost engine system development (such as the X-34's Fastrac engine), rocket-based combined-cycle propulsion, vacuum plasma spray, rapid prototyping, friction stir welding, vehicle operations and integration, natural environments, avionics, turbomachinery, computational fluid dynamics/systems analysis, hypersonic propulsion, space power systems, vehicle health management computing technologies, and microelectronics device developments.

Members of the media wishing to attend the Tech Expo should contact the Marshall Public Affairs Office, 205/544-0031, no later than Feb. 20 to arrange for credentials.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Attached are fact sheets on the X-33 and X-34. For more information on the RLV program, visit the program's Web site at http://rlv.msfc.nasa.gov, or contact: Dominic Amatore, Public Affairs Office, Marshall Space Flight Center, Ala. 35812. Phone: 205/544-0031.