David E. Steitz
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                                 
April 12, 1994
(Phone:  202/358-1730)

Ernie J. Shannon
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
(Phone:  205/544-0034)


RELEASE:  94-59

NASA SIGNS TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT WITH AEROSPACE CONSORTIUM


   A technology reinvestment program (TRP) agreement to develop 
hybrid rocket motor technology was signed April 7 between NASA's 
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., and a consortium 
of three U.S. aerospace companies.  

   Marshall's newly-established Technology Transfer Office, under 
the direction of Harry G. Craft, will manage this technology 
development initiative.  "We see this as a major step in a new way 
of doing business -- government and industry in a partnership to 
create new technologies and commercial ventures," Craft said.  
"This agreement is an important step in stimulating the transition 
of technology to the private sector and enhancing U.S. 
competitiveness."

   The Hybrid Technology Project (HyTOP) Consortium consists of 
Martin Marietta Manned Space Systems, New Orleans; United 
Technologies Corporation's Chemical Systems Division, San Jose, 
Calif.; and the American Rocket Co., Ventura, Calif.  The 
agreement is between NASA, with the Marshall Technology Transfer 
Office in a management role, and the HyTOP members.

   Under TRP guidelines, the federal government provides up to 50 
percent  of the funding towards development of technologies that 
can be used in both a government and a private sector setting.  In 
this case, TRP will provide $10.4 million dollars during the 
30-month duration of the project.  The consortium will provide the 
remaining, approximately $12 million.


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   Hybrid rocket motors consist of elements from both solid and 
liquid fuel rockets and are safe, non-explosive and 
environmentally friendly.  The cooperative agreement calls for the 
consortium to build and test 2 H250K hybrid qualification motors 
with 250,000 pounds of thrust.  The motors will be cast and 
assembled at Vandenberg Air Forces Base, Calif., and tested at the 
Phillips Laboratory, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

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