Duncan Announces NASA Funding for the University of Tennessee

For Immediate Release

October 25, 2005

Washington, D.C. - Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr., (R-Tenn.) today announced an $864,647 Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring the Planets (ASTEP) program grant for the University of Tennessee College of Engineering.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded the grant, which will be used over a three-year period. The funding will enable the University to pursue the development of sensors for investigating life in terrestrial and extra-terrestrial environments.

NASA's ASTEP program is a science-driven exploration program that is expected to result in new science and technological capabilities for the next generation of space exploration.  The University of Tennessee was one of nine programs selected.

"The University of Tennessee is doing an excellent job in the technological advancement of our Nation," said Duncan.  "I am pleased to see that this federal funding will allow them to expand and continue those efforts."