CLEVELAND — NASA has awarded a contract to the Universities Space Research Association, or USRA, of Columbia, Md., to advance understanding of the effects of the space environment on the functioning of space exploration systems.

The association will perform research, analysis and testing for technology and system development in fire prevention, detection and suppression, and other technologies necessary to sustain human life in the harsh environment of space. Other areas of research will include power, environmental control and life support systems, resource utilization and crew health.

The work will enable NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland to secure and sustain specialized research and development capabilities essential to its role in NASA’s exploration efforts.

The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity cost plus fixed fee contract’s two-year base period begins June 6, 2008, and has a maximum value of $14 million. The contract has three one-year options with a potential estimated value of $35 million, if all options are exercised.

For more information about Glenn Research Center, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/glenn

For more information on NASA and its programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov