Debra J. Rahn
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                       July 11, 
1991
(Phone:  202/453-8455)


RELEASE:  91-109

UNITED STATES AND SPAIN SIGN SPACE COOPERATION AGREEMENT


     U.S. and Spanish officials signed an agreement today in 
Madrid, Spain, which increases space cooperation between the 
two countries.  The agreement was signed by Joseph Zappala, 
U.S. Ambassador to Spain, and Spanish Foreign Minister 
Francisco Fernandez Ordonez.

     Provisions of the agreement support cooperation in space 
science and technology as well as provide for use of Spanish 
bases and installations as alternative landing sites for the 
U.S. Space Shuttle.

     The cooperation of Spain and its support of the U.S. 
Space Shuttle Program have been absolutely essential for its 
success and this 8-year agreement assures their continued 
support.

     The agreement notes the existence of promising areas for 
joint efforts to strengthen cooperation between NASA and 
counterpart Spanish agencies.
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