HOUSTON, Oct. 12, 1998 -- Development of nanotechnology materials and applications could lead the nation's space program into a new frontier because of a collaboration between Rice University and NASA.

Rice and NASA officials will take the first step toward exploring this new frontier by signing a statement of collaboration that outlines the partnership on Thursday, Oct. 15, 1998, at 10 a.m. in the Founders Room of Lovett Hall on the Rice campus.

NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin and Rice President Malcolm Gillis will sign the document in a ceremony including Richard Smalley, Rice's Nobel-prize winning professor and director of the university's Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, George W. S. Abbey, director of the Johnson Space Center, and Congressman Nick Lampson (D-Texas).

The development of nanotechnology materials will focus on fullerene fibers, also known as nanotubes. These carbon fibers are tubular structures potentially 30 to 100 times stronger than steel but one-sixth its weight, and about a billionth of a meter in diameter.

Rice and NASA share a long history beginning in 1962 when, from Rice Stadium, President Kennedy announced plans to put a man on the moon. Rice responded to the announcement by creating the country's first Department of Space Science. Since then, Rice has been involved in a number of significant research projects and missions, as well as public outreach and education efforts with NASA.

Lovett Hall is located inside Entrances 1 and 2 off of Main Street. Media interested in attending the signing event can begin setting up at 8 a.m. and should contact Lia Unrau, science editor in the Rice University Media Relations Office, at (713) 831-4793, [email protected], for further details.