Scientific, academic and governmental organizations interested are asked to submit their requests by June 6, 2003, detailing their previous experience, plans for use of the orbiter debris, and the scientific benefits expected to be gained by their research.

"This is a general request to organizations outside the NASA family," said Mike Leinbach, Columbia reconstruction chairman and Shuttle launch director.

"Through the efforts of outside researchers, we stand to learn a great deal regarding hypersonic and thermodynamic properties and their affects on spacecraft parts. This will greatly assist in the design and flight safety of future spacecraft."

NASA has also requested input on how to best preserve and manage the debris from Columbia. The complete RFI can be found here. An RFI is intended to solicit information to help NASA decide how to proceed. It does not represent a commitment to making Columbia debris available to any person or organization.

Interested organizations should contact Steve Parker at the Kennedy Space Center Office of Procurement, by e-mail at Steve.Parker @ nasa.gov or by calling 321-867-2928.

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